LONDON Irish second row Franco van der Merwe is relishing the task of trying to help his side back into the Gallagher Premiership.

Exiles dropped back into the Greene King IPA Championship after one season back in the top flight, but with Grand Slam-winning coach Declan Kidney now at the helm, they will hope to return at the first time of asking.

They face a tough start with a trip to last season’s runners-up Ealing Trailfinders on Saturday (7.15pm, live on Sky Sports), but van der Merwe is excited.

He said: “I’’m looking forward to it. There’s a great spirit in the camp and everyone has been enjoying pre-season. We’re looking forward to the new competition.

“I think from a player’s point of view it’s nice to have coverage and to get TV games. It’s just so much easier to get your style of rugby out there and let other people see your talent out there.

“Sometimes it raises the players’ ability because it’s a TV game, which is really good, so we’re really grateful.”

Irish go into their opener after a 32-28 defeat at Munster and a 46-17 reverse against Leicester Tigers, but Kidney believes the experience will do them good.

He commented: “The build-up has always been about getting ready for the Ealing game. In fairness to the players they rolled with the chopping and changing I’ve done so we could learn things.

“We managed to try a few combinations which I think will stand us in good stead for the season.”