While Chris Robshaw has been fulfiling his duties in the England back row, his Harlequins understudy is having a great time.

Joe Trayfoot has started the past two Aviva Premiership games – including last week’s 12-16 defeat to Sale Sharks at the Stoop – and he is certain his time to shine is coming.

Quins director of rugby Conor O’Shea threw Trayfoot the shirt ahead of England U20 World Cup winner Jack Clifford.

Trayfoot said: “Things are going well since Chris has gone away with England, I’ve been getting starts and really enjoying my rugby.

“When you are competing in a position where there is competition between great players, international players, it shows you what you can be and what level you can get to in the future.

“I know I can be one of those too.”

He added: “Jack [Clifford] and I are two different players competing for positions, but in any position, having those players around you drives you on and will only make you better.”

Nick Evans bagged four penalties in Quins’ defeat to Sale, leading O’Shea to admit it was not pretty.

He said: “It was a very frustrating night. We played the second half in the wrong parts of the pitch. Twice when we took the lead, we gave away soft turnovers and penalties off kick-offs by not clearing our lines.”

Quins go to Bath tonight (Friday).

Trayfoot said: “Sale was a setback and our last 30 minutes wasn’t good enough and we have to respond against a team like Bath.”