DARREN O’Shea says he is ready to mix it with the best in the Premiership and hold down a spot in Worcester Warriors’ starting line-up.
The 22-year-old was one of Dean Ryan’s shining stars of last season having made 22 appearances.
The Warriors boss has brought in Donncha O’Callaghan, Tevita Cavubati and Darren Barry to strengthen the second row.
But O’Shea, who joined the club in 2014 from Munster, is confident of making the step up to top flight rugby.
“Last year I was lucky enough to play a good bit of rugby,” he said.
“So hopefully I can build on that this year, try to nail down a place in the team and make a mark in the Premiership.”
He added: “This season is an opportunity for the young lads to impress, get themselves out there and show the Premiership what Worcester is now like.
“With Dean Ryan’s vision and having a young squad, everyone is pushing each other in training, which is great.”