Gomarsall last played for England two years ago

The scrum-half feared his career was over after Worcester terminated his contract in the summer, but Harlequins stepped in with a season-long deal.

"I definitely have a burning ambition to play for England again," the 32-year-old told BBC Sport.

"It's been dominated by two or three scrum-halves for a decade and now it's up to someone to take up that mantle."

Interview: Andy Gomarsall

Gomarsall, who began his Test career in 1996, often had to play second or third fiddle to Matt Dawson and Kyran Bracken, winning the last of his 23 caps two years ago against Australia.

But he cites the example of 35-year-old centre Mike Catt, whose brilliant season for London Irish last year saw him recalled for England's summer tour to Australia.

I was out on my own, out on a limb and thrown to the scrapheap Andy Gomarsall

"I think about somebody like Mike Catt who had such an inspirational year for London Irish and he's straight back in the team," Gomarsall said.

"That's just fantastic for someone like myself who was staring down the barrel of retirement. Now I've got this opportunity I'm going to take it with both hands.

"I'm certainly not going to be there in the next four years, but it's World Cup year and there is a real buzz about that."

Any thoughts of England are on the back-burner until he secures a place in the Harlequins first team, but he is just delighted to be back in rugby after fearing the worst when Worcester controversially terminated his contract.

"I thought that was pretty much it," he added. "I knew I still had a burning ambition and I knew that I didn't want it to end there on that note.

"I was out on my own, out on a limb and thrown to the scrapheap, but fortunately I've got a great support network through friends and family.

"I wanted to get back in and was on the phone waiting for opportunities.

"The key thing that Dean Richards mentioned is my leadership qualities. So I've got to get out on the pitch and do it now."