Delon Armitage today revealed he has rejected offers from French clubs and has pledged to continue playing in England.

The news is a boost for Martin Johnson, who has warned his England squad that their chances of selection could be seriously affected if they are lured across the Channel, where players can significantly boost their wages.

Johnson, and Twickenham chiefs, are writing to their top players making it clear that all contracts - particularly those with French clubs - have to include release for all squad sessions, matches and summer tours. It follows London Wasps trio James Haskell, Riki Flutey and Tom Palmer, announcing they will move to France next season, although the trio insist they have been guaranteed release for England duty.

Armitage, described by Johnson as "one of the finds of the season", has made the England No15 jersey his own, increasing the London Irish star's value on the open market.

The 25-year-old lived in France for six years as a teenager, where he played for Nice's Racing Rugby Club and even had trials for the country's Under-16 team.

However, he does not harbour any ambitions to return across the Channel. Armitage said: "I have had offers from France. I am very happy in terms of my family life in England and what is happening at London Irish, where we are in the top four and pressing for honours not fighting against relegation.

"I am living in London, close to England training and everything is on the up for me. To leave and have a 50-50 chance of making it in France -having had that experience before - I don't feel I should compromise my current situation in any way."

Shane Geraghty, his Exiles and England team-mate, last night confirmed his agent was in talks with the club about an improved offer that could also see him turn down French overtures.

Armitage is now focusing on Saturday's clash against Ireland where he will try to prove that England can still score world-class tries, despite considerable evidence to the contrary during the Six Nations.

While the rest of the back division struggled to impress during the 23-15 defeat by Wales in Cardiff, Armitage produced a piece of individual brilliance that made even the Welsh fans stand and applaud.

He sliced through the Welsh defence in open play, evading one would-be tackler with a swerve, accelerated past two more defenders and dived extravagantly over the line while signalling his try with a raised finger.

It confirmed his status as a real contender for the Lions summer tour to South Africa - not bad for a player who only made his Test debut against the Pacific Islanders in November.

Armitage believes he still has much more to reveal in an England jersey and he wants the chance to showcase his full range of attacking skills in Dublin. That may not happen unless the rest of the England back division follow his lead and bring their club form to the test match arena.

Thanks to England's lack of collective confidence, they have opted for a limited game plan, featuring tactical kicks that the opposition is only too happy to send back in the form of "bombs" aimed at Armitage, who can expect another kicking salvo from Ronan O'Gara.

Armitage said: "I am not happy with just wearing an England shirt and I have a lot more to give and I can get better and better. I am putting in the extra work after training to make sure the basics are right. At the moment people are saying I am just a defensive player, but the reason I was picked was what I can bring to the England attack .

"I am looking to get my hands on the ball and prove to people I can attack - that's my game. It's not just about catching high balls at the back and I really hope I get that chance against Ireland."

Meanwhile, disgraced England prop Matt Stevens looks certain to be handed a two-year ban at a hearing in Dublin today after his positive test for cocaine.