Rob Howley faces a battle for the Wasps No 9 shirt with Matt Dawson

The former Wales star has his sights set on a new deal with Wasps and making the 2005 Lions tour to New Zealand.

But first he must fight back from a bone graft and the insertion of a metal pin in his wrist.

"I have to concentrate on getting as much movement as possible into my wrist and getting back to fitness," he said.

Howley's three-year contract with English and European champions Wasps expires at the end of this coming season.

But once fit, the 33-year-old is intent on winning his No 9 shirt back from England scrum-half Matt Dawson, and then earning at least a year's extension on his Wasps' deal.

"It's been a brilliant two years here," Howley added. "I have another year left but I'm looking beyond that.

"I definitely want to carry on playing for Wasps.

"Last season was a brilliant one: The games against Munster and Toulouse in the Heineken Cup were real 'edge of the seats' and to come back a week later and win the Championship final against Bath was fantastic.

"It shows just how much work has been put into this club both on and off the field.

"We have set high standards to maintain. It's been a brilliant two years for me and hopefully it will continue for some time yet."

Howley's team-mates will play his countrymen in a pre-season friendly on Friday night, as Wasps play Celtic League champions Llanelli Scarlets.

The match at Stradey Park will be shown live on BBC Wales Scrum V, with a 1905 BST kick-off.