Dallaglio: I want to be a Lion

Lawrence Dallaglio has ruled out a return to England colours but has targeted a place on the Lions tour to New Zealand next summer.

With England losing their entire World Cup winning back row - Dallaglio and Neil Back have retired while Richard Hill has undergone knee reconstruction - Dallaglio, who quit as captain earlier this season, is still good enough to warrant a starting place.

However, the Wasps captain, who leads their defence of the Heineken Cup against big-spending Biarritz at Wycombe on Sunday, is adamant he has played his last game for England. His Lions dream will depend on Sir Clive Woodward, the head coach of the most famous touring team in the world, who is taking a tough line over players who have quit Test rugby. "Fundamentally, I believe everyone available for the Lions should be playing international rugby," Woodward said. "There would have to be a cast-iron reason to pick someone not playing Test rugby."

However, Dallaglio has not given up hope. He said: "I have not ruled out the possibility of going away with the Lions, but my performances will have to warrant that honour. I haven't thought about playing for England again because I made a decision and I stick by it.

"I am really enjoying being able to focus 100 per cent on Wasps."