Dawson wants more England action

Exiled England star Matt Dawson is to be offered a new two-year club contract by London Wasps - a deal that could propel the scrum-half back into Andy Robinson's good books.

Dawson has been out of the international picture since being axed from the England squad in September for missing a training session in order to record an episode of the BBC's 'A Question of Sport' quiz show.

But the World Cup-winning No.9 has been on fine form since joining Wasps from Northampton on a one-year deal in the summer, and the European and English champions' desire to stick with the 31-year-old proves that Dawson's career is far from over.

"Rugby is still my priority - and there's still a burning desire within me to play the best rugby I possibly can," Dawson told the Mirror newspaper.

"I know within myself, if I was given the chance, I could play for England again. I know I'm fit enough, I'm strong enough, I'm skilful enough.

"And I've still got the understanding of the game - probably even more so, in fact, for having worked with the coaches at Wasps, Gats [Gatland] and Shaun [Edwards].

"I couldn't have wished for a better move than to come here at this stage of my career.

"The first day I arrived I knew I'd made the right decision and I'd certainly like to further my rugby career here."

Robinson stuck to his guns during England's November Tests, opting to cover the No.9 berth with Andy Gomarsall, Harry Ellis and Hall Charlton - but Dawson was philosophical about his immediate Test future.

"Andy knows I still want to play for England, and Wasps still want me to play for England," stressed Dawson.

"I didn't watch those [November] games thinking 'shit, I'm never going to do that again'.

"It feels more like I've just been injured rather than I'm never going to play for England again, though that might well be the case.

"But hopefully not. Robbo and myself have spoken a few times and he's made it apparent that if he thinks I'm good enough to play for England then he'll pick me.

"I would like to think that will happen. I'd be disappointed if anyone was recognised as being the best in his position in the country and was not playing for England."