Dawson's form rewarded with recall

England boss Andy Robinson today admitted Matt Dawson’s recent form had made it impossible to overlook the veteran Wasps scrum-half for the RBS 6 Nations.

Dawson was removed from the England set-up in September when Robinson took exception to the Test Lion’s decision to miss a training session in favour of honouring his commitments with the BBC’s A Question of Sport quiz show.

But the 32-year-old World Cup-winner’s performances since the bust-up have ended his exile and seen him invited to next week’s three-day training camp in Leeds. He has also been restored to the elite player squad.

Robinson said: “I always said I’d consider bringing Matt back if I felt he was playing well for his club.

“He’s demonstrated this in Wasps’ recent Heineken Cup and Premiership matches and merits his return.”

England’s most capped scrum-half now has a great chance of adding to his 65 international appearances, while his hopes of making next summer’s Lions tour to New Zealand have been given a massive shot in the arm.

Leicester’s Harry Ellis will provide stiff competition for the number nine jersey, however, and his efforts for the Tigers have elevated him to the elite player squad from the senior national academy.

The duo enjoyed a fascinating duel during last month’s Heineken Cup double header and Ellis acquitted himself well, prompting Dawson to accuse his rival of trying “to rough me up”.

With Gloucester’s Andy Gomarsall also in the frame, scrum-half would appear to be one of the most competitive positions ahead of the Six Nations opener against Wales on February 5.

Ellis’ place in the senior national academy has gone to powerful Bath and England A forward Andy Beattie who pulled out of last summer’s Churchill Cup squad in order to undergo an operation.

Beattie has not been far from the England frame for the past two seasons after earning rave reviews for Bath and the big-hitting back row has also been called up for national training next week.

“I’m very surprised but I’m obviously very pleased. It’s a chance to train and be involved with some of the best players in the country and I am really looking forward to it,” said Beattie.

Robinson added: “In consultation with Brian Ashton, the national academies manager, Andy has been chosen because of his consistent form for Bath as a blind-side flanker. He has matured greatly as a player over the last two seasons.”

Mark Cueto has been rewarded for his blistering start to life as an international by gaining inclusion on the elite player squad for the first time.

The Sale Sharks winger was selected for the November internationals despite not being part of the group, which now numbers 56, but his four tries in three England appearances has been recognised by Robinson.

Mark Regan’s international retirement left a vacancy at hooker which has been filled by Wasps’ Phil Greening with the 29-year-old back in the reckoning after a career-threatening injury problem.

Robinson has whittled his elite player squad down to 42 for the Leeds training camp where, for the first time, sessions have been scheduled alongside a rugby league team.

Super League champions Leeds Rhinos are preparing for their showdown against Australian kingpins Canterbury Bulldogs next month and both codes hope to benefit from the experience.

Robinson said: “We’re looking forward to training with the Rhinos tremendously. It’s fair to say (Leeds coach) Tony Smith, myself and our coaches are excited about the whole concept.

“It’s uncharted territory for all of us. We can all learn something from each other and anything that gives you an edge is always worth doing.”

Robinson’s 42 have been drawn from the elite player squad and includes injured stars such as Jonny Wilkinson, Mike Tindall and Martin Corry who could all yet play some part in the Six Nations.

Exciting Newcastle back Mathew Tait, 18, will also travel to Yorkshire after several stand-out displays for the Falcons caught the eye of Robinson and his management team.