Leicester number eight Thomas Waldrom was pleased but surprised after he was called into the World Cup squad.
The forward, who will fly out as cover for the injured Nick Easter, was informed of the news by Tigers director of rugby Richard Cotterill.
"It was a swell feeling and I had to rush home and tell my wife what was happening," Waldrom told the Leicester Mercury.
"I am going out as cover so it's difficult to know what might happen. We will just have to wait and see."
Waldrom could play a part in England’s next game, which is against Romania this Saturday.
