Mike Brown has committed his future to Harlequins and spoke of his determination to earn a place on the Lions tour to New Zealand.

There had been mounting speculation that Brown was looking for a new challenge after 12 years at Quins.

However, the England full-back told Standard Sport: “I am fully committed to Harlequins and this is where I will be playing next season. I don’t know where the rumours started but this is my club — I am a Quins man and I am not going anywhere.”

Quins must beat second-placed Exeter in Friday night’s Premiership clash to keep their hopes of qualifying for the European Champions Cup alive.

The showdown at the Twickenham Stoop will also be Brown’s final chance to impress Lions coach Warren Gatland, who will sit down on Tuesday and put together a 37-strong squad, which will be named the next day.

Brown, who has won 60 caps for England, said: “I am desperate to be involved with the Lions and it is tough because, unlike when you are with England, you cannot speak to the coach and find out where you stand.

“It is about what Warren Gatland wants. If he wants a player who is ready to fight for every inch in New Zealand and someone who has been at the top of their game for a number of years, then I feel I am the right man. I believe I have shown that in an England jersey and that is all I can do. Now, it is a case of waiting and hoping.

“Playing Exeter means a short turnaround following our loss to Saracens at Wembley but we are used to this kind of schedule and we have prepared well for this important match.”