BILLY Vunipola says it wasn’t just his body that was left battered and bruised from England’s below-par autumn internationals.

It was his ego, too, after losing his place in Stuart Lancaster’s starting XV.

Gloucester No.8 Ben Morgan moved ahead of him in the England pecking order, but the autumn snub and subsequent injury has made Vunipola hungrier than ever to regain his place ahead of next year’s World Cup.

Vunipola was dropped for England’s win over Samoa and, in an effort to force his way back into contention while on duty with Saracens, he suffered concussion against Northampton Saints.

It meant he played no part as England signed off for 2014 by putting Australia to the sword, with Morgan being named man of the match.

“I think, heading into the autumn, I maybe got carried away with my form for Sarries,” said Vunipola.

“Maybe I was just a bit too over-confident, not necessarily on the pitch but perhaps more off it with my religion and faith and everything.

“I have never been in a situation like that. For whatever reason, I couldn’t transfer my club form over to my country, but sometimes it goes like that and you need to get back on the horse.”

Being dropped is more than enough motivation, but - just in case he needed it - a fast-approaching Six Nations followed by a World Cup on home soil is giving the former Wasp that extra boost.

“I know I have to play well to even be included for the Six Nations, but I do keep thinking about what playing a World Cup game at Twickenham would be like,” he added.

“Ben Morgan is a very good player and he showed that. It’s great we can push each other on.”

Billy Vunipola is a Land Rover Ambassador. Keep up to date with the latest Land Rover rugby activity by following @LandRoverRugby on Twitter.