<text>  Mike Brown has been in the wars in recent weeks and he has the scars to prove it. But he insists he is ready to battle for his World Cup starting place and is also determined to inject some much-needed confidence into club-side Harlequins stuttering season. Twelve months ago Brown concluded a Six Nations campaign that ended with an identical result, a second place in the table behind Joe Schmidts Ireland. But he was also a winner, edging out retiring legend Brian ODriscoll to be named player of the tournament, with four tries underlining his commitment to the cause. Mike Brown in action against France in the final Six Nations game of the tournament . This time around, there were no personal accolades to dull the disappointment of a fourth consecutive runners-up place. However, Brown believes the manner of Englands memorable 55-35 victory over France is a reason to be optimistic ahead of this autumns Rugby World Cup. But he refutes suggestions by RFU chief executive Ian Ritchie that another second place was unacceptable. I havent done too much reflecting but its massively disappointing to end the way that we did, said Brown, speaking at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens - the worlds largest schools rugby tournament. It was great how we went about the game and how we won but its disappointing that we didnt achieve our goal of winning it. Its the fourth time Ive been involved where Ive come second but luckily I dont get bitter. Brown was disappointed with how the Six Nations ended, but says there were positives to take . Well keep going as a squad, keep using things like this to develop us. There are still positives to take out of it and we have to look at the bigger picture. The free-scoring, free-flowing nature of last weekends classic at Twickenham was compared by many to a rugby league game. Brown is an admitted fan of the 13-man code and Quins famously released a statement titled Brown stays with rugby when he briefly flirted with a switch. However, Brown believes he has done enough in recent weeks to cement his place as Stuart Lancasters first choice full-back, ahead of rival Alex Goode, who deputised when he missed the defeat in Dublin after picking up a head injury early in the win over Italy. I was very happy with my tournament. When I actually played, I thought I did well, added Brown, who was casting his eye over the next generation of stars at Rosslyn Park an event that has previously produced the likes of Gareth Edwards, Lawrence Dallaglio, Will Carling, and Ugo Monye. I think my game has come on loads this season. Last year it was all about my running game but I think Ive shown that my kicking game has come on alongside my passing game and my defensive game. As long as I can keep improving, I will be happy. Brown will not be in action for Harlequins when they face Saracens at Wembley on Saturday . Its just a shame that I did take a knock and missed one a three quarter games, including the big one in Ireland. Weve spoken about competition for places and 15 is definitely one that is strongly contested. Alex did well, unfortunately he was in that losing team against Ireland but he did well with his opportunity. Saying that, I dont want to give him too many opportunities he is a great player so it is good to have that rivalry and push each other in training. Maybe before people might have said he had a better kicking game but I think after this tournament, people can see my kicking game isnt too bad either. Brown and Goode should be going head-to-head at Wembley this weekend when the two sides clash in front of what is expected to be a world record crowd for a club rugby match. Brown talking to young rugby players at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens . But Brown is sidelined again due to another concussion precaution, after picking up a knock late in the famous win over France. Were being a little cautious with that and were giving it time to recover, he said. After a head knock its always a big thing to come back playing, especially with two internationals it can be tough. Ive got next week off because we dont have a game so its a good two weeks down time. Its not been a good campaign for Harlequins and this game could hopefully spark our season. Weve worked well at times but we havent been consistent and dont deserve to be up there. Thats something to look at in the off season but theres still games to go where we can put ourselves in a good position to be in Europe for next year and thats definitely where we want to be at the top table of European rugby. England Rugby Union player, Mike Brown was speaking on behalf of HSBC at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens where he helped run HSBC coaching clinics for schools during the tournament. For exclusive rugby content, follow HSBC_Sport . 