DREAM STILL ON RHODES

MICHAEL RHODES has vowed not to give up on his dream of playing Test rugby despite his autumn England knock-back.

The South African-born flanker, who qualifies on residency, was called into Eddie Jones’ squad with much fanfare and tipped by many to go straight into the starting line-up against the country of his birth, yet he failed to make the matchday squad for any of the four Twickenham games.

“I was disappointed,” admits Rhodes (above), 30, who starts at Cardiff Blues today for an unbeaten Saracens side.

“You never expect to get a cap but you have that hope you will play, especially going into such big games at Twickenham. I didn’t come away thinking my chance had come and gone. I’m committed to playing for England, 100% that’s what I still aspire to.”