Tough start an opportunity for Connacht to lay down marker, says Thornbury  

The westerners' lock is hoping to make a big impact this term.

WEST'S AWAKE: Connacht's Gavin Thornbury is looking forward to the new season.

Few players are looking forward to the start of the new season as much as Connacht lock Gavin Thornbury, who is hoping all his injury nightmares are behind as he heads into his sixth campaign at the Sportsground.

He’s averaged just over a dozen appearances a season since moving from Leinster and last season was particularly tough as a summer shoulder operation which was meant to keep him out for about three months didn’t work out and he didn’t make it back until April.