Chiefs forward Johnson looks to build on Saxons call-up

Johnson scored his first England Saxons try against the USA

Exeter Chiefs forward Tom Johnson wants to use his recent England Saxons call-up as a springboard to help his club.

Johnson was part of the England second string side which won the Churchill Cup earlier this summer - his first taste of international action.

And the 29-year-old hopes he can continue his good form and try and push for a full England place.

"It's not something you can plan for, you just get on and try and improve," he told BBC South West.

And while he enjoyed his time with the Saxons - he scored a try in their 87-8 win over the USA - he says it was not the same standard as English club rugby.

"We did well in the Churchill Cup but there's not that intensity, there's not that threat of relegation and I think that's what brings out the best in the Premiership."

Johnson has been back in training with the Chiefs for a fortnight after being given an extended summer break by coach Rob Baxter after his international exertions.

"It's all new to me, a really good learning experience," he said of his summer with the Saxons.

"Obviously it's a very good set-up there but it's nice to be training back with my mates in Exeter."