When the England stuff takes over, that is when you over think things - Robson
Dan Robson is focused on performing for Wasps this term
©PA
Dan Robson has admitted he cannot allow any thoughts of playing for England to be his main focus ahead of the new Gallagher Premiership season.
Robson was part of the national side which toured South Africa earlier this summer and he was also involved in Eddie Jones’s recent pre-season training camp.
However, Robson did not earn his first cap for his country against the Springboks despite having yet another impressive season for Wasps last term.
But the scrum-half insists he will not let his international aspirations get in the way of his club form.
“It [the South Africa tour] was obviously frustrating because you’re that much closer and you’re within touching distance,” Robson told TRU.
“When it kind of takes over about the England stuff, that is when you over think things. You start to overplay.
“For me, it is just focusing on Wasps. I love the brand of rugby we play and I feel like I play my best when I feel like I am enjoying myself.”
Although Robson is focused on excelling for Wasps this term, he revealed the prospect of being part of an England squad for next year’s World Cup is something that every English player will have an eye on.
Robson added: “It is obviously in the back of my mind which is something every English player will be looking at, no matter who they are, but it is a long way away. A lot can happen in a year and like I said, just turning out for Wasps is priority number one.”
Robson and Wasps kick off their new campaign this Saturday as they travel to Worcester Warriors and they will arrive at Sixways with a new look squad.
Dai Young has recruited heavily during the off season – bringing in the likes of Lima Sopoaga, Kieran Brookes and a host of players from the Championship - and Robson is excited by the strength in depth the club possesses going into this season.
He said: “Coming back into an environment where the boys have been working hard for a few weeks, it was clear to see a lot of hard work had been put in and it's an exciting environment.
“It is all massively positive. All the new boys have come in with a point to prove. It is exciting and competitive. Everyone is fighting for that 23 (man squad) for Worcester.
“Dai has built a squad this year and the strength in depth is massive. It is probably the best we have had since I have been here so it is exciting.”
After suffering multiple injuries to their squad last year, the depth which Robson eludes to could be on show this weekend after setbacks for Jimmy Gopperth, Jake Cooper-Woolley and TJ Harris in pre-season.
New signings Billy Searle and Michael Le Bourgeois could feature for Wasps at Worcester as the Coventry-based side begin their pursuit of silverware this term.
Wasps reached the Premiership final in 2017 and were beaten by eventual champions Saracens in the semi-finals last year, but Robson believes his side have the capabilities to take the next step this season.
“It would be stupid for us to bat off winning silverware and say we are happy with top four because we have done that the last few years.
“As a squad, we have lost at that last hurdle and we know now that we need to start winning things. We need start proving that we are good enough as a squad. We know we are going to have to really step up and do something special this year.”
