Harlequins skipper Danny Care is playing with a smile on his international face again.

The England scrum-half scored the opening try last weekend as the Red Rose sealed the RBS Six Nations title and the Grand Slam on a memorable night in Paris.

The 31-21 win over France capped a remarkable turnaround in England’s fortunes under new head coach Eddie Jones.

Not only did it help erase the memory of last year’s World Cup disappointment, it also captured a first Grand Slam since 2003 – the same year England last won the World Cup, and perhaps the last time there was a collective smile on the face of English rugby.

Care said: “Winning in Paris was all about belief, a bit of character, backing your ability and going out there and playing with a smile on your face again.

“It wasn’t our greatest day, but you saw the squad effort and the belief that we were confident we could go there and get the win and that’s what we’ve did.”

He added: “We’ve had some heartbreak in the Grand Slam department in recent years, so it was a brilliant effort from the boys to dig it out.

“France showed their class when they came back into the game and made it tight so it’s an unbelievable feeling.

“We wanted to go there, win the game and get that Grand Slam which we’ve been after, so we’re very happy.

“That’s what we do it for, that’s why we run extra hard in the fitness, the boys like Chris Robshaw making tackles left, right and centre and boys putting in for each other because it means so much to wear this jersey and win this tournament."

On the domestic front, Harlequins missed the chance to go fifth in the Aviva Premiership table last weekend after a 15-21 defeat at home to Worcester.

Ben Botica kicked five penalties, but it was not enough as the visitors boosted their chances of survival in the top flight with the points.

Quins are back in action on Sunday with a trip to Northampton Saints.