Neil Back is one of English rugby's most decorated players having won numerous honours both with the national team and Leicester Tigers during a hugely-successful 15-year career.

The 45-year-old, who retired in 2005 before going into coaching, will be widely remembered for playing a key part in England's 2003 World Cup triumph.

Known for his ferocity on the pitch as an openside flanker, he was also called up for three British and Irish Lions tours.

Sports Mole caught up with Back at the Aviva Premiership final between Saracens and Northampton Saints to get his thoughts on all things rugby.

How do you assess England's chances this summer for their tour of New Zealand?

"If you'd have asked me pre-Six Nations I would have been not as enthusiastic as I am now, but during the Six Nations there was definitely a change of thinking and a change in England's attack philosophy. It was evident in that first match out in Paris.

"England have got a well-organised set piece. I remember being out in Paris; passes were going to floor and fans around me were moaning and groaning, but I was applauding because you've got to change. By the end of the Six Nations, people were expecting England to be more fluid, and we looked dangerous."

Is the tour a good chance for some of the more inexperienced players to stand up and be counted ahead of the World Cup next year?

"Going forward, the tour is an opportunity for people to put their stamp on the team and express themselves, but this summer tour is going to be a tough road and a steep learning curve playing against the best team in the world.

"The real acid test for England will be testing ourselves against the best teams in the world. Only at the end of that tour will we truly see where that England team is. We play well against Northern Hemisphere sides, but they're all ranked outside of the top four teams in the world.

"If we want to win the World Cup next year we've got to beat all of those teams above us, and we have to show that we're pretty close out in New Zealand."

Have England bitten off more than they can chew by going to New Zealand?

"You've got to know where the gaps are. When I say the gaps I mean gaps in physicality, intensity, coaching philosophy. Only when you play against the best teams do you know where you stand."

Are England right to snub Steffon Armitage?

"All I would say is that England need their best players at the World Cup next year. I understand the agreement between the Premiership and the Rugby Football Union, but all I'll say is, in a conversation between Stuart Lancaster and the Toulon owners, if Lancaster said 'these are the terms of the release (for the player)', and if they come to an agreement, I can't see why Armitage can't be integrated into the squad."

How much has he improved since going over to France?

"He's the European player of the year. He's been fantastic since he went over there and he's learned a whole new skill set since he's been there, and I think he would be a great addition to the England squad. I'd find a way around the red tape and do it sensibly. If he can [commit himself like the Premiership players] then why not have him involved?"

Armitage is one of the best players around at the moment in terms of what he does at the breakdown. Why is the breakdown so important?

"Speed of ball is everything. In defence, you need quick ball. You need to deny the opposition quick ball. Steffon's developed a game where he stands out at the breakdown area. He's got his weaknesses as well, but in the back row you've got to have a mix of skill sets. He's got a good offloading game, he's there first at the point of contact, and he's there to make sure the ball is offloaded quickly. If he was part of the England team, the players around him would have to accommodate his strengths."

What have you made of your former club Leicester Tigers this year?

"Looking from the outside, they've got a good set piece, their defence has been okay - there's room for improvement there - but the big thing for me is that they need a change in their attack philosophy. They've got the players, but I just think they're restrained a bit. The best players at club level at the moment are those who look for an offload, and those players who run the support lines. Leicester don't run those lines because they're not expecting the offload. For me, a change of thinking and a change in attack philosophy is needed."

What do you make of the arrival of Freddie Burns from Gloucester Rugby?

"His strength is natural ability, and I don't want to see that coached out of him. He's got flair and he's got an eye for the gap. He's got a rounded game: defence is not a weakness, but I don't want him to be too constrained. I want to see him go out and play his game. To me, Leicester are a team who have the players, but they're under orders not to be as fluid as they could be."

Neil Back MBE was working with national breakdown provider Green Flag, sponsor of Premiership Rugby, to support their roaming car Health Checks at the Aviva Premiership Rugby Final 2014.