Christian Wade still harbours a burning ambition to represent England at this summer’s World Cup – despite being overlooked for a place in Stuart Lancaster’s Six Nations squad.

The former RGS pupil won his first and only international cap against Argentina in 2013, with a number of injuries putting pay to his chances off adding to his tally since.

But now, with the World Cup opener against Fiji less than seven months away, the Wasps wing is desperate to break back into the national team.

He said: “When you see mates that you’ve grown up with like JJ (Jonathan Joseph), Anthony Watson, Jonny May, George Ford, Mako and Billy (Vuipola) all doing well, you want to be there as well. It’s a constant reminder to keep working hard and I can only hope that it will pay off for me in the end.

“You don’t necessarily get the opportunity to play in a World Cup for one, especially when it’s in your own back yard as well.

“It’s a massive thing and every English player has got their eyes set on playing well for their clubs and hoping to get recognition from England by representing them at a World Cup.”

The 23-year-old is getting back to his best for Wasps after returning from an ankle injury in December, and his form saw him included in the England Saxons squad that beat Ireland Wolfhounds 18-9 last month.

Wade came off the bench to score a try in that victory, and he hopes he can do enough between now and the end of the season to make his World Cup dreams become reality.

“For me it’s a great stepping stone to try and get back into the England fold,” he said. “Playing for the Saxons, after being out for such a long time, is a great achievement and a great honour.

“To be a part of any England squad is great, so I was really pleased to be a part of that and get the opportunity to come on and score. I was really chuffed and really excited about the whole opportunity.”