Abbott is a key figure in Wasps' midfield

Abbott, who missed the entire Six Nations and Wasps' third straight Premiership title, looked sharp as he beat defenders and made one 50m break.

Fellow England cap Fraser Waters also returned to action after missing most of last season with an ankle problem.

"It was great to have them both back on the park," said coach Shaun Edwards.

Abbott played three times in England's victorious World Cup campaign of 2003 but has endured a frustrating wait to add to his seven caps.

He spent six months on the sidelines after injuring his shoulder on England's summer tour to New Zealand.

And he was only nine games into his comeback last season when he broke his leg in a collision with France flanker Serge Betsen during a Heineken Cup match.

Abbott targets England comeback

Understandably, he is keen to make up for lost time as he targets a return to the England squad for the November Tests against Australia, New Zealand and Samoa.

"There will be fierce competition for places in the centres for Wasps this season, with myself, Fraser, Ayoola Erinle, Rob Hoadley and even Josh Lewsey challenging for a start there," he noted.

"So I'm looking to put in some good performances early on."

Two of Wasps' new signings, scrum-half Eoin Reddan and fly-half Jeremy Staunton, made debuts against Exeter, Staunton kicking 10 out of 10 while young winger Thom Evans scored four tries in a 70-point romp.