Dallaglio considering England return

Lawrence Dallaglio is considering a comeback for England, one year after announcing his retirement from international rugby.

Dallaglio, who broke his ankle 20 minutes into the British and Irish Lions' first match of their tour of New Zealand in June, hopes to return to action for Wasps in November and has not ruled out appearing in the 2007 World Cup.

The World Cup-winning number eight decided to quit the England team last August, saying he was tired of the relentless schedule of matches.

"I made that decision based on how I felt physically and mentally at the time," Dallaglio, who has been capped 73 times for his country, said yesterday.

"When I went on the Lions tour I was in the best shape ever. I wouldn't want to rule out the possibility of a return. It is something that has to be thought about very seriously.

"It is not about just coming back for a few games. It would have to be with my sights set on France 2007. I'd be considerably younger than a lot of members who won the last World Cup."

Since winning the World Cup in 2003 England have gone into a steep decline and only managed to finish fourth in this year's Six Nations championship under new coach Andy Robinson.

They face stern tests against New Zealand and South Africa in November, although Dallaglio has ruled out being involved in those matches.

"I wouldn't see it as an option," he said. "At this stage I haven't had any discussions with Andy Robinson. I know he has a lot of things on his plate."

Dallaglio, who made his England debut in 1995, needed a metal plate and five screws inserted into his right leg after breaking his fibia and damaging ankle ligaments against Bay of Plenty.