Six years have passed since Allinson last pulled on a Red Dragons representative jersey at the 2006 Under-19 World Cup in Dubai but the 24-year-old has not given up hope of playing for his country again.

While he admits that being off the radar at London Irish for the past two seasons probably hasn’t helped his cause he’s sees the arrival of Edwards,  who has become the Exiles’ defence coach,  as a golden opportunity to send word to Warren Gatland about his international credentials.

Burrowing his way through the established order of Welsh No.9s, headed up by Bayonne’s Mike Phillips in time for the 2013 RBS 6 Nations, will be no easy task but having fought for his jersey at both Cardiff and Irish, Allinson is ready for another scrap.

“The sooner I can get involved the better because that’s something I aspire to do,” said Allinson, who made 25 appearances for Irish last season.

“I spoke to Brian Smith about it and he believes I can do it this year. 

“He’s given me a few things to focus on so I’m going to go away and work hard and hopefully that will lead me on to an international cap. 

“I haven’t heard anything off Gatland but it will be interesting to see because Shaun is going to be up with us so hopefully having him there will be a little nudge through the door as he’ll be working with us – as I say hopefully sooner rather than later because it’s something I want to do.”

Former England attack coach Smith returned to the Reading-based outfit this summer and Allinson had his first chance to impress his new boss on Friday night at the Twickenham Stoop in the first round of the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series.

The Exiles fielded five full internationals including centre Shane Geraghty and wing Sailosi Tagicakibau and Allinson helped his side secure a place in the finals as they beat Wasps and Saracens, only slipping up to hosts Harlequins. 

He added: “We went through and that was the main objective coming into this round. 

“Hopefully we’ll put the same side out for the final round and we’ll go from there.

“Smithy is really keen on our composure on the ball and keeping it in hand and decision making so all these aspects we’ll have to work on before the final as a team and I'm sure he’ll be keeping an eye on me.”