Harlequins hooker Rob Buchanan may be swapping Thai food for Argentinean steak this summer, but there remains unfinished business on the domestic front.

The 21-year-old celebrated Quins’ title triumph last summer with a holiday in Thailand, but should they repeat the trick this season he will have to wait to let off steam, having been named in the England squad for the summer tour to Argentina.

The Hong Kong-born front rower collected the club’s young player of the year award this week to go with his senior international call-up, that came just three months after he made his England Saxons debut.

Director of rugby Conor O’Shea already trusts him to deliver at the lineout in the closing stages of games, as shown by handing him 22 of his 30 appearances this term from the bench as a replacement for Joe Gray.

But Buchanan admitted it is his exploits around the park – that have seen him collect four tries this term – that are more likely to have helped his cause.

“It has been a massive step up from last year for me,” said Buchanan on Saturday.

“There is still lots I need to improve on, but it has been a really good year.

“To get the Saxons call was amazing. I could not believe that. I really enjoyed it. I’ve just got to keep playing and progressing.

Your Local Guardian: Rob Buchanan

Among friends: Buchanan is one of 11 uncapped players going to South America in the summer    SP73030

“Joe is by far the best lineout thrower in the Premiership. His stats are high, 90 per cent, which is pretty impressive.

“My lineout is not my strength, it is a work in progress, but we compliment each other well.

“I love carrying the ball, getting the ball in my hands and going forward.”

Buchanan scored his side’s second try as Quins secured tomorrow’s Premiership semi-final trip to Leicester Tigers with a 22-19 win over Northampton Saints at the Stoop last weekend.

Quins travel to Welford Road knowing they have beaten the Tigers at home and away in the league this term, following on from last season’s title triumph at Twickenham.

But Buchanan insisted history counted for nothing. “The fact we have beaten them this season means nothing. It is a semi-final, which makes things much harder,” he said.

“We have the experience of beating them, but Leicester have double the experience. They’ve reached so many finals.

“You cannot look at last year too much. This is a whole different season.”

Also going to Argentina are Joe Marler and Mike Brown, while Danny Care and Chris Robshaw, who missed out on selection for the British & Irish Lions squad, have been rested by England coach Stuart Lancaster.