By Bryn Palmer

Abbott has brought creativity to the Wasps midfield

New England recruit Stuart Abbott believes it is harder to make the international grade in his adopted country than his native South Africa.

The Wasps centre is one of the lesser-known names in Clive Woodward's squad heading Down Under for Tests in New Zealand and Australia.

Nicknamed 'Silent Assassin' by team-mates for his ability to carve open opposition defences, the 24-year-old has a chance to stake his claim for a World Cup place.

With grandparents from Manchester, Abbott admits his long-term goal when arriving in London 18 months ago was to progress to the England set-up.

But with South African officials also keen to tempt him back into the Super 12 fold, he rejects any notion that he opted for the easier path into Test rugby.

"If you are going for international status, there is a lot more to making it here than back home," Abbott told this website.

I haven't even thought about the World Cup Stuart Abbott

"With the depth of players, the competition is a lot harder in England and there are more quality players here."

Abbott joined Wasps after a successful season with Cape Town-based province the Stormers, where he vied for a place with Springbok centres Robbie Fleck and De Wet Barry.

His decision to leave South Africa was something of a gamble, but he had already enjoyed a brief taste of English rugby.

Abbott spent two months with Leicester after the 1999 Rugby World Cup - on the recommendation of former Springbok fly-half Joel Stransky.

"They needed a couple of players and I really enjoyed it," Abbott recalled.

Abbott starred for the Stormers in 2001

"If you are not playing in South Africa, you can't play for South Africa.

"But when Wasps got in touch I decided it was a great opportunity to come back over here. Luckily, things have gone well."

Abbott's sidestepping breaks, vision and sound defence in Wasps' late season charge have already brought him a Parker Pen Cup winner's medal.

On Saturday he could be part of a side crowned champions of England if they beat Gloucester in the Zurich Premiership final.

Woodward relies on Wasps

A successful summer tour could see Abbott make it into England's World Cup squad - and a reunion with some former team-mates in the South Africa side.

But his natural modesty prevents him from contemplating such a prospect.

"I haven't even thought about the World Cup to be honest - it has probably come a bit too early for me.

"I have just been concentrating on these two finals for Wasps. To get on either of the tours would have been a bonus.

"But there are five good centres going to New Zealand, so just to be involved and get a bit of game time would be great.

"I am not looking past the tour at this stage."