Mike Brown has been in the wars in recent weeks and he has the scars to prove it . But he insists he is ready to battle for his World Cup starting place and is also determined to inject some much-needed confidence into club-side Harlequins ' stuttering season . Twelve months ago Brown concluded a Six Nations campaign that ended with an identical result , a second place in the table behind Joe Schmidt 's Ireland . But he was also a winner , edging out retiring legend Brian O'Driscoll to be named player of the tournament , with four tries underlining his commitment to the cause . Mike Brown in action against France in the final Six Nations game of the tournament . This time around , there were no personal accolades to dull the disappointment of a fourth consecutive runners-up place . However , Brown believes the manner of England 's memorable 55-35 victory over France is a reason to be optimistic ahead of this autumn 's Rugby World Cup . But he refutes suggestions by RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie that another second place was 'unacceptable ' . ' I have n't done too much reflecting but it 's massively disappointing to end the way that we did , ' said Brown , speaking at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens - the world 's largest schools rugby tournament . 'It was great how we went about the game and how we won but it 's disappointing that we did n't achieve our goal of winning it . It 's the fourth time I 've been involved where I 've come second but luckily I do n't get bitter . Brown was disappointed with how the Six Nations ended , but says there were positives to take . 'We 'll keep going as a squad , keep using things like this to develop us . There are still positives to take out of it and we have to look at the bigger picture . ' The free-scoring , free-flowing nature of last weekend 's classic at Twickenham was compared by many to a rugby league game . Brown is an admitted fan of the 13-man code and Quins famously released a statement titled 'Brown stays with rugby ' when he briefly flirted with a switch . However , Brown believes he has done enough in recent weeks to cement his place as Stuart Lancaster 's first choice full-back , ahead of rival Alex Goode , who deputised when he missed the defeat in Dublin after picking up a head injury early in the win over Italy . ' I was very happy with my tournament . When I actually played , I thought I did well , ' added Brown , who was casting his eye over the next generation of stars at Rosslyn Park – an event that has previously produced the likes of Gareth Edwards , Lawrence Dallaglio , Will Carling , and Ugo Monye . ' I think my game has come on loads this season . Last year it was all about my running game but I think I 've shown that my kicking game has come on alongside my passing game and my defensive game . As long as I can keep improving , I will be happy . Brown will not be in action for Harlequins when they face Saracens at Wembley on Saturday . 'It 's just a shame that I did take a knock and missed one a three quarter games , including the big one in Ireland . 'We 've spoken about competition for places and 15 is definitely one that is strongly contested . Alex did well , unfortunately he was in that losing team against Ireland but he did well with his opportunity . 'Saying that , I do n't want to give him too many opportunities – he is a great player so it is good to have that rivalry and push each other in training . 'Maybe before people might have said he had a better kicking game but I think after this tournament , people can see my kicking game is n't too bad either . ' Brown and Goode should be going head-to-head at Wembley this weekend when the two sides clash in front of what is expected to be a world record crowd for a club rugby match . Brown talking to young rugby players at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens . But Brown is sidelined again due to another concussion precaution , after picking up a knock late in the famous win over France . 'We 're being a little cautious with that and we 're giving it time to recover , ' he said . 'After a head knock it 's always a big thing to come back playing , especially with two internationals it can be tough . ' I 've got next week off because we do n't have a game so it 's a good two weeks down time . 'It 's not been a good campaign for Harlequins and this game could hopefully spark our season . We 've worked well at times but we have n't been consistent and do n't deserve to be up there . 'That 's something to look at in the off season but there 's still games to go where we can put ourselves in a good position to be in Europe for next year and that 's definitely where we want to be – at the top table of European rugby . ' England Rugby Union player , Mike Brown was speaking on behalf of HSBC at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens where he helped run HSBC coaching clinics for schools during the tournament . For exclusive rugby content , follow @ HSBC_Sport .
Mike Brown says Dublin can take plenty of positives from the Six Nations . Brown was happy with his own performance and thinks he has improved this season . Brown now looking to help Harlequins improve their season .