SCRUM-HALF Brendan McKibbin has admitted he cannot wait for the Championship season to start.

The 30-year-old Scotland-born Aussie is back in training following a summer’s break around Europe, where he visited Spain, Italy and Greece.

He said: “Redemption is the key and we want to get back up to the Premiership immediately – we never want to have the feelings that we experienced at the end of last season.

“As we are the team that has gone down we are naturally going to be a target for every team, so it’s important that we keep our standards high and ensure that we are consistent throughout the season.

“We need to show every single team respect – if you don’t show them respect then you will be beaten. Our supporters have been exceptional and we don’t want to let them down, so it’s important that we make a good start to the season.”

McKibbin admitted pre-season – taken under the watchful eye of new director of rugby Nick Kennedy – has been tough.

He commented: “Pre-season has been really good so far and everyone has reported back in good shape.

“Everyone is excited to be back and the new faces have brought a lot of energy along with the new management structure – London Irish is a really good environment to be in at the moment.

“The new management structure have certainly kept pre-season interesting, and I can honestly say it has been really hard work – there is nowhere to hide when you’re wearing live heart monitors.”

One new addition to the Exiles’ squad who has made a strong impression is George Robson, with the former Harlequins lock having moved to Richmond – near to where McKibbin lives.

And the Australian said: “A few of the new signings have moved to Richmond and George is close by – he is already dishing out the banter so we will have to keep him on his toes a little bit.”