Sam Harrison is hoping he can put behind him an injury-blighted season and play a role in Leicester Tigers' bid to regain the Aviva Premiership crown.
A string of niggling injuries limited 24-year-old Harrison to just six appearances for Leicester last term.
It was November before he made his first appearance when he had been hoping to capitalise on the impact he had made the previous year.
The scrum-half is looking to figure in the opening pre-season match, Tigers' trip to Nottingham on Saturday, and build from there rather than spending more time on the treatment table.
"At Leicester there isn't much time to spare if you aren't fit, you have to get back as quickly as you can," said the former John Cleveland College student.
"Last year I found myself a bit behind at the start of the season and then picked up a few more niggles at the wrong time.
"With Ben Youngs and David Mele playing really well, that made it difficult for me to get games.
"I thought I did play well when I got the chance and this season I hope to get a few more chances.
"I feel really good, touch wood, and can't wait to get playing."
Harrison acknowledges that he will have to wait for his chances with experienced men of the calibre of Youngs and Mele ahead of him – and that is the case in a number of positions at the club.
It does not put him off, though. In fact, being part of such a quality group spurs him on. "In the key positions there have always been three or four good players," he said.
"I know that is the case at Leicester but it is something I embrace."
Away from challenging for a first-team position once again, Harrison is also bolstering his coaching credentials with one eye to the future, even if, at just 24, he has the bulk of his playing days still ahead of him.
He is coaching the John Cleveland first team, further strengthening the links between the club and a school which helped produce the likes of Dean Richards, Graham Rowntree, Sam Vesty and Manu Tuilagi.
"It's a great school. All the old boys tend to go back there," said Harrison.
"I feel like I'm getting bit older now and need to look at what I might be doing in 10 years time or so.
"I'm happy to have a bit of experience coaching, particularly when it is down at my old school."
