LAWRENCE Dallaglio is aiming to return to the rugby field in October to lead Wasps' Heineken Cup charge.

The number eight colossus was forced to quit the British Lions tour of New Zealand after fracturing his right ankle during their 34-20 win over Bay of Plenty.

Dallaglio, who returned home from the Lions tour of Australia in 2001 after failing to recover from a knee injury, had a successful operation on his ankle the following day and vowed he would be back.

He said: "I am under no illusions about the amount of hard work I am going to face to get fit for next season and I will be very disappointed if I am not back playing by October so will the surgeon.

"The positive aspect of this is that for three months of my recovery it will be out of season June, July and August and they are predicting a four to six month time scale to get back.

"In terms of real time out of rugby then it could be just September and, possibly, a bit of October who knows?

"Having conquered the knee ligament operation in 2001 and dealt with the rehab after that injury, it will be a massive help in getting back from this one.

"There is a massive disappointment and it's unfortunate that I haven't been able to finish the Lions tour and my season is now over.

"It is just an unfortunate coincidence that I have been injured on successive Lions tours and had to go home early. I have been very fortunate throughout my rugby career winning three domestic titles in a row with Wasps, the Heineken Cup and the World Cup with England.

"I am a lot more positive now that I know what has happened to my ankle."

The loss of the Wasps skipper is a real blow to the Lions with Dallaglio seen as the leader of the forwards and a real inspiration.

But the 32-year-old is raring to get fit again and has even dropped hints about playing for England again.

He said: "I would not rule anything out for next season.

"It is evident from the way I finished the season that I have every reason to carry on playing at the highest level.

"I don't want to say that I want to declare myself again for possible international selection.It's a case of never saying never."

Dallaglio is now planning to stay in Auckland for the next week until his stitches come out before returning home.