Delon Armitage focus back on London Irish

Armitage was replaced by Ben Foden during the Calcutta Cup match

London Irish's Delon Armitage admits his confidence has been "broken" by being dropped by England but vows to put things right with the Exiles.

Armitage started the first four Six Nations games for England before being left out for the game against France.

He told BBC Berkshire: "No-one likes to be yanked off the field when you're not injured, especially not in an international shirt.

"That was the lowest point in my international career."

He added: "That hit me hard, especially having to watch the game from home. Obviously I was still cheering the boys on, but I was really gutted not to have the chance to play at the Stade de France for England."

We just want to put a smile back on his face and have him enjoying himself. He just hasn't enjoyed his rugby over the past couple of months.

Mike Catt

Armitage said it was good to be back at London Irish, as they prepare for their St Patrick's Day Party match against Sale.

"I came back here and the boys had forgotten about the internationals - it was banter straight away and the boys were taking the mick.

"It's nice to come back and to get straight back in with a start because I think at the moment my confidence is a little bit broken, so to get back and to play against Sale, I'm really excited about it."

The Exiles' attack coach Mike Catt, who himself was dropped and recalled several times during his England career, said although Armitage had not yet sought his advice, he would be happy to speak to him.

"If he wants to come and have a chat with me about it, then I'm sure he will. It's all a massive learning curve for him. It's easy getting into the side, it's staying there which can be the problem," he said.

"We just want to put a smile back on his face and have him enjoying himself. He just hasn't enjoyed his rugby over the past couple of months."

Armitage admitted Catt would be someone he will approach for some advice.

"At the moment I'm just trying to keep my head down and concentrate on training and playing for London Irish but I think at some stage I will need to have that chat because it still hurts," he said.

"I don't like to be taken off the field, whether it's for London Irish or in an international. It means you're just not playing well and that was hard to take.

"I'll have a chat with Mike, but hopefully it won't take too long and I'll bounce back this weekend with London Irish."