Watching Ellis over the course of this season, it is easy to forget that he is still only 22 years old, after a string of impressive - and aggressive - performances.

Ellis will be vying for the England number nine spot with two experienced campaigners in Andy Gomarsall and the recalled Dawson, but he relishes the having two immediate rivals of such a high calibre.

Just being in the same room as Matt Dawson and Andy Gomarsall is great for me and whatever I can pick up and learn from them is good, Ellis says.

Andy Robinsons forgiveness of Dawson, who had incurred the wrath of the England coach by choosing to put his burgeoning television career ahead of an England training session, has thrown an obstacle in Ellis path into the England starting line-up.

But Ellis has no issue with the inclusion of Dawson and he intends to fight his corner in the only way he knows how.

With Matt Dawson back in the squad its just business as usual really, he said.

And its just a straight battle between me, Daws and Andy Gomarsall for the number nine shirt.

If Ellis continues to improve at his current rate, his two more experienced rivals could be left clutching at thin air in the fight for the number nine shirt, just as Dawson was when Ellis scorched in for a superb solo try against Wasps at Welford Road in the European Cup in December.