Harlequins number eight Nick Easter has admitted that he is "buzzing" to be back involved with England after being selected in the Six Nations squad.

Injuries to Tom Wood, Joe Launchbury, Courtney Lawes and Geoff Parling created the opportunity for Easter, who has not been involved with England since Stuart Lancaster took over as head coach.

"It's like the first day of boarding school again. I'm buzzing to be back when it was suggested I might be involved. It's better than making my debut, really, getting called up again. It does feel a bit like that," the 36-year-old told Sky Sports News.

"It all comes back to you, the familiarity of everything. There've been a few changes to the hotel and the training facilities. It's been three and a half years but it doesn't feel like that, although there are differences in the squad make-up and the coaching make-up.

"I never gave up hope but I didn't think that I'd be there. I booked a holiday to the Caribbean which has now been put on ice. I'm buzzing though."

Easter has won 47 caps for England since his debut in 2007.