But with the 27-year-old currently behind the likes of the in-form Chris Ashton and Mark Cueto in the Red Rose pecking order, he is determined to send a message to Martin Johnson against his former employers.

He said: “I am realistic and if the players who are wearing the (England) shirt are playing well you have got to bide your time.

“Because you play against each other so regularly and meet up with everyone on England duty, you do get to know each other petty well.

“It is nice to catch up with people in the bar after, but you don’t really notice who people are on the pitch - you just tackle.”

Third placed Leicester Tigers travel to second placed London Irish in the only game going ahead on Saturday in a rematch of the 2009 Final.

Seilala Mapusua, George Stowers and Sailosi Tagicakibau all return for the Exiles.

Meanwhile reigning champions Leicester welcomeback six internationals but will be without England stars Tom Croft and Toby Flood.

Exeter travel to Wasps knowing that a win would be enough to leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Wasps have England lock Simon Shaw, Wales back row Andy Powell and Samoa winger David Lemi back in their ranks after returning from international duty.

Exeter have named an unchanged side as they chase their fourth consecutive win in their first season in with rugby’s elite.

The cold snap has put pay to matches at Newcastle, Sale and Leeds.