It is less than nine years since John Mallett won his one England cap.

But the vastly experienced former Bath prop admits it feels like the dark ages now as the national side set their sights on a second successive Grand Slam.

Sir Clive Woodward's squad kick-off the post-World Cup era knowing the rest of Europe will be keen to knock them off their perch.

Mallett, though, who coaches at Brighton College and Hove Rugby Club, reckons England are progressing at a pace which will keep their rivals trailing.

He admitted: "It's an interesting time for the squad. Not least for the coaches and how they get the best out of the guys.

"The advances Clive Woodward has made have been phenomenal. Back in 1995 looks like the dark ages now.

"They cover every aspect of preparation. The England boys who go away for training come back to their clubs very excited and full of ideas.

"They love being part of the England set-up."

As did Mallett back in 1995 when he made his England debut as a replacement against Western Samoa.

A player's outlook, though, was a bit different back in those last weeks of the amateur era.

He said: "There were a few discussions about how many pints could be drunk during a week back then.

"England were just starting to look seriously at it. A lot of guys had been part of the old era and were used to training twice a week, like the Hove players do now. Now they are absolute athletes.

"Before, everyone was compromising a bit with their jobs and rugby and not getting the best out of either.

"From the 1995 World Cup there was a realisation among England players that things had to change.

"England have dealt with the professional era very well with the way they have changed their attitudes to the game.

"From a personal point of view, it was fantastic to have the opportunity to play professional sport and go 100 per cent at it."

Heights Mallett, who scaled the heights of the club game in his 12 years with Bath, insists there can be no World Cup hangover for England.

The Six Nations is too special for that.

He added: "The Six Nations is still something else in terms of atmosphere.

"The players will be really excited about it.

"I played a lot of A team games. You would play on the Friday night and train with the senior team, meaning the likes of Will Carling, Rob Andrew and even Jason Leonard, who is still around now.

"Jason Leonard is a legend. He's a lovely bloke although not so lovely when you have to pack down against him.

"Even then, though, he always finds time for a yarn during a game.

"The front row guys have got bigger and bigger. I always thought I was quite big but people like Phil Vickery and Steve Thompson have come in and are immensely strong and athletic with it.

"They fly around the field at 18 or 19 stone.

"England have a lot to thank them for in setting up the platform for the team's success."

That platform will see England to another European crown, according to their former player.

He admitted: "It will be hard playing in Paris. The French will want to make up for the World Cup.

"England are constantly evolving, though. A lot of players who weren't in the World Cup are desperate to play for England. It's a healthy attitude."

Meanwhile, Mallett says Alex King has done wonders for Sussex rugby, just by competing for an England place.

International and top club rugby can seem light years away from the playing fields of Sussex.

King, though, has helped bridge that gap.

Mallett said: "Alex has been a fantastic role model and he makes it all real for boys in Sussex.

"He came through the system here. Playing at the top is a dream for many boys of 14 or 15 but he is evidence it can actually happen."

King still keeps in touch with his former college.

Mallett added: "He has been down here and run a few sessions for us.

"He's a great pro who has been through ups and down but has been playing the best rugby of his career in the past couple of years."

Mallett also knows all about his former Bath colleague Ollie Barkley, who pipped King to a place on the bench in Rome on Sunday.

He said: "Ollie was first involved with Bath when he was still at school in Bristol.

"He joined Bath rugby at 18.

"He has got a fantastic work ethic. He will always be last off the training pitch or be out kicking on his own.

"He deserves his success."