Rugby, Australian Football: Ellis eyes up England opening

Young Tigers star allows himself to dream a little

Leicester Tigers scrum-half Harry Ellis saw his chances of an England call-up boosted this week, but the man who is tipped by many to be Matt Dawson long-term successor is keeping his feet firmly on the ground.

Although acting England coach Andy Robinson is expected to turn to Andy Gomarsall in the short-term, Ellis - eight years the Gloucester No.9's junior - could feature in the forthcoming Tests against Canada, South Africa and Australia after previously being capped at England 'A' level.

"As long as I keep performing and training as hard as I have been, I can get a shot at playing for England," he said.

"It's everyone’s dream to play for their country and I think I've been playing reasonably well for Leicester and showing people what I can do.

"But what happened doesn't mean that Matt Dawson is totally out of squad. He could be back in when the squad is reviewed again in January.