IT has been one hell of a week and it is going to take some time to digest the events of the last few days.

What happened on Saturday when we beat Saracens to stay in the Premiership was dramatic enough.

But, since then, I have seen one director of rugby go and another one arrive and then got the news that I was back in the England squad for the tour to South Africa!

A far as Saturday is concerned, I just want to say what a fabulous place Sixways was and what a difference the fans made to our performance.

I can barely imagine what it will be like when there are 15,000 packed inside the ground. It is going to be incredible.

This has probably been the hardest season of my career and it has been a real test for all of us both physically and mentally.

In a lot of ways, we are glad it's over but we can still take a number of positives from what has happened.

I don't think many groups of players would have stayed together through what has happened to us but we stuck at it and we eventually came through.

Despite our position in the league, a number of players have had a very good year, including Matt Powell and Kai Horstmann.

Aleki Lutui has also proved a very good signing, while Dale Rasmussen has had a fantastic year.

Dale has been at Sixways for a while now and he is an inspirational person to be around. I think we are really lucky to have him at this club.

As a group, we need to learn lessons and make sure we are not in the same position next season. It's all about the future now and we are all looking forward to working with Mike Ruddock - a man whose credentials are beyond question.

It is, of course, always sad when you lose a coach like John Brain. As players, we respected him and formed a bond with him.

I have no doubt he will find employment in rugby in the near future and we all wish him the very best.

I am afraid that is the reality of professional sport. We are starting a new era now and I think this can be a very exciting time for the club, especially with all the progress that is happening off the field.

For me personally, it has been a season of real highs and lows. There were some real hard times, especially during the autumn, but I feel my form has started to return a little bit over the last few weeks and I suppose that's why I have come back into the England reckoning.

It is always a privilege and an honour to play for England and I am obviously aware what an important year it is for international rugby.

I will be heading out in about two weeks time so that gives me a few days to put my feet up.

After the week we have all had, that's something I am looking forward to!