RUGBY star Jonny Hill is setting his sights on becoming a regular starter under Eddie Jones after being included in the England head coach’s Six Nations squad.

The 26-year-old Exeter Chiefs lock, from Stanton Lacy, made his international debut in last season’s Six Nations finale in Italy in October, helping England lift the title with a 34-5 win in Rome.

Since then, the former Luctonians star, has made three substitute appearances in the Autumn Nations series against Ireland, Wales and a dramatic come-from-behind 22-19 final win over France at Twickenham in December.

Hill has impressed enough to retain his place in Jones’ 28-man squad, who will begin their Six Nations campaign against Scotland at Twickenham on Saturday, February 6.

“I’ve always watched the Six Nations growing up and being selected for the squad is quite a proud moment for me. I’m really looking forward to the tournament,” he said.

“I’ll be looking to play as much as possible. It’s like the natural progression and trying to get into the side every time there’s a Test match is definitely my aim.

“Last year was really good exposure and experience for me and moving forward I want more of it. That’s what everything is geared towards.

“It’s like you finally get to play for your country but you’re like ‘I want to play even more now’.”

The withdrawal of experienced Wasps lock Joe Launchbury from the squad with a leg injury opens the door for Hill to leap the queue into a starting spot.

“I’ve got an opportunity this week, leading into the Scotland game, to put my best foot forward. I’ve been training at home and making sure I’m in good shape when I arrive to the camp,” he added.

“I’m really gutted for Joe because it’s something I think he’s been struggling with for a while. I wish him all the best with his recovery and he will be back in the fold in no time at all.

“But if Joe was there or wasn’t there, I wouldn’t change anything – it’s about me making sure I’m training as well as I can.”

There were 2,000 fans present for the Twickenham final against France when Hill came on just after half-time but he admits he cannot wait to play in front of a packed crowd when supporters return.

“Speaking to anyone that has ever played international rugby, they say that the crowd has a huge impact on the day – the build-up, the game and the post-match camaraderie,” Hill added.

“It’s something I’m really looking forward to if the opportunity came around.

“I can’t really say that it took the shine off making my England debut in the autumn against Italy as that was something I had looked to do for a long, long time and worked extra hard for.

“I’m not going to screw my face because there were only a few people there.

“Ultimately I would have loved to have my family and friends there but hopefully there will be other opportunities for them to come and see play for my country.”