Gloucester's Freddie Burns keen to take England chance

Burns made 20 appearances for Gloucester last season

Gloucester's Freddie Burns is keen to take his chance for England at this summer's Under-20 World Championships.

Fly-half Burns and club-mates Shaun Knight and Jonny May are all in the squad for the tournament in Argentina.

Burns told BBC Gloucestershire: "The squad is a lot stronger than in the Six Nations and to get picked to represent your country is a massive experience.

"I didn't perform too well in that so it's a chance to show people I can perform at this standard."

Burns was troubled by calf injuries in the early part of last season, but believes those problems are now behind him.

"Since I've come back from the operation I've been playing more," he said.

"I had 80 minutes against Cardiff, 80 minutes against Wasps and 75 minutes against Saracens so it's looking like it has worked. I just have to go out there and play my best for however long they allow me to."

The backs selected include Rory Clegg of Harlequins and London Irish's Tom Homer, who have also played in the Premiership this season.

Burns says having former Kingsholm favourite Mark Mapletoft as coach has been a big help to him.

"It always helps to relate to the coach. Tofty and I are similar and it's good to have someone who has gone through what I've gone through," he added.