Despite playing an influential role in Northampton’s success, Dingwall’s route to international level has been more arduous.
The Cambridge-born centre played age-grade rugby for Scotland through his paternal heritage, before representing England Under-20s.
He was called-up to senior squads by head coach Steve Borthwick’s predecessor Eddie Jones but was involved in 10 training camps without winning a senior cap.
That changed against the Azzurri in Rome last year before he scored his debut try the following week against Wales, but Dingwall says he wants to make up for lost time having had to wait more than a year for his third cap.
“Last year was unbelievable,” he added. “It was the first time I had played in forever. I had been in and around the squad but never managed to play.
“I had some really good experiences beating Italy and Wales but then Ollie [Lawrence] was back fit.
“The feedback I got at the time was that I had played well but the starting two were then available.
“You can kind of accept that as the coaches’ preference and I was thrilled I was able to fulfil my dream and get a good shot at it.
“But since then I’ve been pushing to try and get back in as much as I can and it’s not been as quick as I had hoped, but it has always tracked towards this moment.”
Dingwall will want to prove a point and sharpen an England attack which has been criticised for a lack of cutting edge, despite having eked out successive one-point wins over France and Scotland to remain in title contention.
Italy arrive in London after a heavy 73-24 defeat by France, but Dingwall says the wounded Azzurri will be confident of creating history against an England side they have never beaten.
“Typically, when there is a big result against a team they tend to respond,” he added.
“There is no doubting Italy are still a very good team.
“They would be disappointed with the France game but they have shown enough over the previous matches that they have lots of talent and some dangerous individuals.
“It isn’t a game of old [against Italy] and it’s a challenge we are looking forward to.”
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