Widely regarded as one of the most powerful scrummagers in world rugby, White has struggled with injuries for the last 18 months or so but has run into fitness towards the end of the season.

Reckoned by Leicester club-mate (and fellow Lion) Graham Rowntree to be the best player in British rugby at "terrorising" an opponent, if White had been injury-free all season he would surely be a certain starter when the first Test comes around but he has seen others move to challenge - if not pass him - in the pecking order while he has been out with neck trouble.

The 32-year-old tight-head prop joined the Tigers in the summer of 2003 from Bristol towards the end of a career that had taken him from Plymouth to the Rec via New Zealand.

Being part of the World Cup squad meant he did not make his debut for Leicester until early December of that year and he then had to undergo a knee operation that limited his involvement.

So Leicester fans have not seen the best of him, and the same could be said of England followers with a tally of 28 caps too small for a man of his ability and reputation.

But if White can get himself fit enough to be a Test contender this summer, those 'in possession' will know they face a real battle to hold onto their shirts.