Dawson yearns for England

Axed England scrum-half Matt Dawson is yearning for a recall to the national team, but admits that with Andy Gomarsall and Harry Ellis ahead of him in the selection stakes, he has little chance of realising that goal.

Dawson was dropped from the squad by England coach Andy Robinson after failing to arrive for a training session because of his commitments with BBC television show 'A Question of Sport'.

But he admitted on Monday that after watching England thump South Africa 32-16 at Twickenham at the weekend he was eager to make his England return.

The London Wasps scrum-half still stands by his decision to film the television show at the expense of training with the squad, but that clash of commitments is now almost certain to end his international career.

"I watched the Canada game the week before on TV and thoroughly enjoyed it. Going to the game on Saturday [against the Springboks] was going to be key," he said.

"I felt great, shouting my head off, really enthused. I love watching England play, I love watching England win.

"If anything it kicks you up the backside to play better at Wasps and hope you might get a call up.

"I enjoy losing at a 'Question of Sport' every week, but I still want to play for England. If Andy [Robinson] wants me back I'd like to do it.

"On England's performances at the moment I have got pretty much no chance, but I'll get on with it and get my head down, don't worry about that.

"I have got a huge challenge with Wasps and we are doing pretty well."

But Dawson stressed that he stood by his decision to see out his commitments with the BBC.

"I get on very well with Andy. We sat down and had a couple of chats about it. He told me what his reaction would be. I had to be honest with him and say I had to look to the future," he said.

"I got myself in a mess but it was the right decision for Matt Dawson, I am 32 now and have to think about my future."