Relief for Wasps as Abbott sets sights on Tigers

Injury free: Stuart Abbott

14 April 2012

Judging by the groans, the HGV tyres being pulled around and the weights being thumped about in their training room at Acton this week, London Wasps are preparing for a physical forward battle with Leicester in the Heineken Cup on Sunday.

But the man who has the potential to cause the most damage for the London side - known in this manor as 'The Silent Assassin' - slips quietly into the canteen for a cup of coffee away from the bustle and banging.

England centre Stuart Abbott scored the decisive try against Bath which secured a Zurich Premiership and European Cup double for Wasps last season.

But, after a calamitous year of injuries, director of rugby Warren Gatland is just happy to have the South African-born player back in his squad for the first of two Heineken Cup clashes with the Tigers on successive weekends.

The 26-year-old has played just once in the Premiership this season after undergoing shoulder surgery following an injury during England's summer tour of New Zealand and Australia.

Abbott returned to action last week when the champions fielded an under-strength side and suffered an embarrassing 27-24 defeat by Worcester.

But significantly the 6ft centre scored the first try of the game. Even though he may not last the whole 80 minutes, it would be a surprise if Gatland does not send on one of his most dangerous weapons to confront the Tigers. Given all the controversy around England's centre positions after last weekend's early replacement of Henry Paul against Australia, these high-profile European clashes should provide the perfect stage for Abbott to stake his claim for a return to England duty in the Six Nations.

But Abbott is refusing to even think about pulling on an England jersey yet.

He said: "First and foremost for me is to get back and play well for Wasps. To be honest, I haven't really thought about England. If you are playing well for your club, you will be recognised. It's only after 10 games you can start thinking about other things.

"It'd be great to get in the squad for the Six Nations. But there are a lot of good centres around. I never like talking about what could happen."

Abbott, who qualifies for England through his mother, is itching for a top-class game after a frustrating time.

He said: "I have had a bit of bad luck in 2004. I played well for the club last season and got on to the England tour and then the shoulder went. It has been frustrating but injuries are part of the game. You have to hope you can come back stronger.