England competition tougher than ever

To get 25% off a subscription to Rugby World, the world's best-selling rugby magazine, click here!

LONDON -- Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio believes it will be tougher than it's even been to get into the England team next season.

In the next issue of Rugby World Magazine Dallaglio says: "England start an incredible international year in November with back-to-back matches against New Zealand, South Africa and Australia -- a series that will get close to replicating the intensity of a World Cup.

"We will follow that with the Six Nations and then, in the summer, games are being planned against New Zealand and Australia again, two matches with France and also one against Wales. The ultimate goal is the prize of that World Cup in 2003.

"No-one has to remind me how competitive the England back row is, but you can be sure that other players will join the battle for the World Cup squad places as the season progresses. It is going to be a bloodbath to get in the England team this year, that's for sure.

"Myself and many others will be looking for big seasons as we approach the World Cup, so I think it is fair to say that come the last week of August you will see a number of players making a big impact, which should make for a great Zurich Premiership campaign. A lot of players will have to make a lot of sacrifices in the next 12 months."

He also sees huge challenges with his club Wasps adding: "Warren [Gatland, the Wasps coach] has been busy in the summer months and he has managed to land what could be the transfer of the close season -- Rob Howley. Rob has been one of the most consistent scrum-halves in the world over the last few years and I'm delighted to be welcoming him to Wasps.

"Rob's decision to quit international rugby works very much in our favor. He's good enough to still command a place in the Welsh team but now he can put all his attention into Wasps. And I'm sure he'll be keen to prove a few people, who've written him off, wrong. It is a great boost for Wasps to have someone of Rob's ability and stature join us. He almost signed for Leicester and I think he will be a huge asset for the club.

"It's also a new era for Wasps with our move from Loftus Road to Wycombe Wanderers. We have been welcomed with open arms by the people at Wycombe and I'm certain it will be a success. There are so many new things about the club this season and I hope it bodes well for us. Wasps have excellent support in the area and the corporate hospitality sales have gone well. There seems to be a demand for rugby in and around Wycombe. The playing surface is excellent and, because they are so keen to have us, it makes a huge difference. There is a great buzz around the club, a real air of enthusiasm."

If you'd like to get 25 per cent off a one year subscription to Rugby World, the world's best-selling rugby magazine, call 01622-778778 and quote code: 31k.