Lifting the Junior World Cup on Sunday capped a remarkable year for Harry Sloan.

The Harlequins centre started all five games for England at the World Cup in France as they won a thrilling final against Wales, coming back from 15-3 down with 22 minutes left to win 23-15.

Victory ended what has been an impressive season for Sloan, who turned 19 during the championships, after he emerged from the Quins academy to make his senior debut in November, scoring a try in the 31-30 LV= Cup victory over Northampton Saints.

And, with a World Cup winners’ medal now around his neck, he has his sights set on making a first appearance in the Premiership.

“It’s been a great year for me,” he said.

“I got a few first team appearances with Quins, that I am really happy about.

“But 100 per cent the aim is to try to push forward in the Quins squad, get in the first team when there’s an injury, and take the opportunity – that is what it is about in our age group.

“It is one of the best clubs in the country for youngsters coming into the team. We won the A League and the LV=Cup with teams that included a lot of youngsters.

“It is a great club and I like the way they play their rugby – fast, furious and entertaining.”

Despite beating France 30-6 and USA 109-0 (a record score in the competition), a 31-24 defeat to South Africa, in which Sloan scored a try, meant England finished second in their group and faced New Zealand in the last four.

A dominant performance saw them beat the All Blacks 33-21 and set up the final clash with Wales. Despite a poor start, second half tries from Jack Howell and Sam Hill and 13 points from the boot of Henry Slade secured the historic win at the Stade de la Rabine in Vannes.

“I am over the moon,” said Sloan.

“It was a great experience and I am really happy – it’s the first time England have won the Junior World Cup.

Your Local Guardian: England - winners of IRB Junior WRC

Champions: England U20s players celebrate with the trophy after winning the IRB Junior World Championship final against Wales at Stade de la Rabine on Sunday.

“We didn’t have a great first half and the coaches had a few words at half-time. “They told us we needed to pull our socks up and if we played like we did in the first half then we were going to lose. “So we stepped up and came out in the second half all guns blazing and played the way we can play.”

Sloan’s Quins team-mate Jack Clifford captained the side and was delighted to lift the trophy.

“I’m so proud of all of the guys,” he said.

“Massive credit to Wales – they were excellent in the first half and we struggled, but we came out after the break and started to build some momentum.

“To get the win is a dream come true – the highlight of my career.”