George Martin 'buzzing' ahead of Japan and All Blacks Tests as England's 'Mr Incredible' aims to live up to his comical nickname on the field

George Martin's impressive rise has seen him become a Leicester and England regular and finally ditch his tiny first car which made him the butt of jokes from his team-mates.

Now the giant second row is looking to continue his progression on his first international summer tour with the 22-year-old set to be a key figure for Steve Borthwick's national side in both Japan and New Zealand in the weeks to come. 

Martin is certainly one to watch in England's second row. At 6ft 6in and 19 stone, he is far from small, which is why he has been the subject of ridicule for the fact that until recently, he has been driving a Volkswagen Up – a vehicle in which he barely fitted.

Ollie Chessum nicknamed his Leicester and England colleague 'Mr Incredible' as a result – comparing Martin to the cartoon superhero because of how his giant frame squeezed into such a small car.

Martin's motoring choice might have been a source of derision, but in other ways his 'Mr Incredible' nickname is more than appropriate.

Martin certainly has the potential to be an incredible player for England over the course of the next decade and is a possible future captain. He has already shown his worth at international level despite his tender years. Martin's monstrous World Cup semi-final display against a giant South African pack felt like a coming of age performance.

Now, his challenge is to continue his upward curve in the southern hemisphere. 'I've finally stopped getting stick from the lads about my car now I've got a new one,' Martin said.

'It's a funny story. It was Ollie who started it by calling me Mr Incredible. I still need to go round to his house to show the new car to him, but that'll have to wait for a bit now.'

My new car is from the Pulman Group and I've got a lot more room now which is what you need when you're my size! It's very comfy so I can't complain one bit.'

Already an England international with a bright future, Martin can get used to travelling in comfort. He is likely to be alongside Maro Itoje in Borthwick's pack for their big summer fixtures. First up is a meeting with Japan in Tokyo on Saturday before two Tests with the All Blacks.

England landed in the Far East last week ahead of their reunion with former head coach Eddie Jones, who is now back in charge of the Brave Blossoms for a second stint.

'I didn't have that much of a break after the end of the season as I tried to keep myself fit and ready because I'm really excited for this summer tour,' said the no-nonsense Martin.

'It's my first and I'm keen to experience new cultures and see what Japan and New Zealand are like. I'm looking forward to things like the food and the onsens in Japan particularly.

'I've definitely got better as a player this year. I've had the opportunity to play in some amazing games and I've really enjoyed that. The end of the Six Nations was promising, but as an England team we don't feel we've achieved anything yet and it's the same for me as an individual

'I want to keep improving. I'm still only 22. Hopefully, there is more to come.'

Martin has just 12 caps to his name. But lots more are set to follow. His unrelenting physicality and ferocious work in the contact area have seen him likened to former Leicester and England captain Martin Johnson. Comparisons don't get much higher in an English rugby context, but Martin is keeping his feet on the ground.

He had never been to Japan prior to landing there last week and has never set foot in New Zealand either. This is a young man experiencing new things this summer.

'We know Japan are a great team and they're going to be very tough to beat,' he said. 'They're very fit and like to play at pace. New Zealand are obviously going to be a big challenge.

'I grew up watching their games on TV and I loved the haka. New Zealand have, traditionally, been the best team in the world for a long time now. I've looked up to a number of their players.

'Growing up my first memories would be watching guys like Dan Carter. I was told the other day England haven't won in New Zealand since 2003. I was two then! 

'But we are all looking forward to the challenge of facing the All Blacks. I'm really excited for it, buzzing. By playing against the best you get the chance to learn and that's my plan.

'We've got an exciting group of new players at the minute and we can't wait to keep playing the brand of attacking rugby we worked on in the Six Nations.'

Martin can play blindside flanker, but with Chessum out injured he is in pole position to partner Itoje at second row in the weeks to come. He is becoming a key figure for Borthwick, who knows him well from when they worked together at Leicester. 

The Tigers' disappointing season meant they weren't involved in the Premiership play-offs. Martin hasn't played for a month as a result and is keen to be involved against Japan.

England should have too much for Jones' young Japanese side in Tokyo. But with temperatures set to touch 30 degrees, it is unlikely it will be a straightforward challenge.