Staunton out to prove himself at Leicester

Jeremy Staunton is well aware that he faces an uphill challenge in trying to nail down a regular place in the Leicester Tigers starting line-up this season.

The Ireland international said that he is relishing the opportunity to prove himself at Welford Road, however.

The former Wasps fly-half, who made his Tigers debut in a pre-season friendly against Castres on Saturday, faces stiff competition from England duo Toby Flood and Sam Vesty for the number 10 jersey.

Another new arrival at Leicester, Billy Twelvetrees, is also in the running for the fly-half berth.

However, in spite of the presence of three talented rivals for his preferred position, Staunton does not regret his decision to sign for the Guinness Premiership champions, believing the competition will bring the best out of him.

“You come to a club like Leicester you are not going to walk into the team. You have to prove yourself,” the former Ireland international said.

“I still have a bit of work to do. Billy Twelvetrees started back a few weeks earlier so he is probably a bit more physically developed than I am.

“There is also Toby Flood and Sam Vesty and if we can get all four of us firing it is going to be good for the club.

“It is like last year: if you are going to be fighting on all fronts you need the players fit, not just at outside-half but across the board.”