Lions hero Ugo Monye can't wait to get back in training as he bids to build on the ‘pure joy’ of his breakthrough year in the international game.

The 26-year-old Harlequins and England wing endured a rollercoaster first season on the world stage, making his debut against the Pacific Islanders, then facing South Africa, Australia and New Zealand in the Investec Challenge Series at Twickenham last November.

His return from a back injury to take on France and score his first try against Scotland in the RBS Six Nations saw him force his way to a surprise spot in the British and Irish Lions squad.

Islington-born Monye came under criticism for missed chances against South Africa in the first Test before bouncing back with the stunning 80 metre interception score that clinched victory in the third.

And now the challenge is to sustain that progress and cement his place in the England team, beginning with pre-season work at Quins and then when Martin Johnson's squad meets up at Twickenham in August.

“I guess the last 10 months for me have been about fulfilling dreams,” said Monye, who was speaking at the O2 Scrum on the Beach event in Bournemouth this weekend.

“To be capped for England is something I’ve always wanted to do. To build on that, play in the Six Nations and for the team to finish strongly was a great end for us. Then to be called up for the Lions was beyond my wildest dreams.

“It's every rugby player’s Everest. But you can’t be satisfied just getting a phone call, you’ve got to do something with it.

“To go out there, score five tries, finish as top try-scorer and to win two Test caps was just unbelievable and to finish in the fashion that I did was amazing, although were gutted to lose the series 2-1.

“This time last year I was in the Saxons squad and to achieve what I’ve done in the last 10 months has been pure joy. Now I can’t wait to get going again and I really look forward to what could be a great season again.

“Quins finished off really well, getting to the semi-final in the Premiership and the quarter finals of the Heineken Cup were great achievements but it’s time for us to build on that.

“And I’m looking forward to seeing all the faces again with England and I missed them over the summer we need to start building again leading up to the Autumn internationals and hopefully another good Six Nations.

“As far as England goes I’ve got to start right from the basics again, get fit again, get playing with Harlequins and start playing some good rugby again.

“If I can do that then hopefully I’ll earn the right to pull on the white jersey again. For me I can’t wait for that moment to happen again. Then hopefully I can have a good Autumn international series.

“Obviously, I've got some goals in my mind but it's all about what got you there in the first place - hard work and lots of it. Nothing good comes easy and I’m looking forward first and foremost to getting back to a tough pre-season.”

Monye and England team-mate Paul Sackey were appearing at O2 Scrum on the Beach in Bournemouth, one of a series of summer rugby events taking place around the country.

O2 Scrum on the Beach is part of the RFU's Play On campaign, sponsored by O2, which aims to keep more 16-24 year olds involved in the game and sustain the health of the country's fastest growing major sport.