Staines rugby star Chris Bishay admits his trip to Japan with the England Counties squad has given him renewed belief in his ability to make it as a professional.

The 21-year-old winger was released by London Wasps at the end of the season and is yet to secure a new club with pre-season training weeks away for most players.

Bishay made ten top-flight appearances for the former Guinness Premiership and European champions, scoring four tries - including one on his debut against Harlequins at the Stoop in 2007.

The youngster, who was also on the scoresheet against Quins again in January, appeared to be approaching his best form again as England batttled back from 20-9 down at half-time to beat Japanese Top League side Yamaha Jubilo in Shizuoka 36-20 on Friday.

And Bishay, whose break led to his side’s second try, is hoping the trip to the Far East has put him in the shop window.

“I played nine first team games for Wasps last season, but at the moment I’ve got no club and that was part of coming out here,” he said.

“After I got released from Wasps I got a call asking if I could play for Middlesex and I didn’t know the Counties side existed.

“Being released wasn’t nice and it was good to come here and prove to myself that I could still play.

“There were a few harsh words at half-time asking whether we were satisfied just pulling on the shirt, but we responded and did great in the second half.

“It was nice to play a part in the second try and I'm happy that I could make a difference.”