THEO Brophy Clews is looking to get his career back on track following an injury-ravaged 2018/19 season.

The 22-year-old former Abingdon School pupil returned to pre-season training last Wednesday, having sat out most of the last campaign following an injury picked up playing for Exiles' second string against Northampton Wanderers last September.

But the former England Under 20s fly-half is hoping to get back to his best as Irish return to the Gallagher Premiership.

He commented: “I am so excited to start playing again after six months out. I didn’t think I would miss the contact stuff this much.

"It’s nice to be back training and I am looking to put myself in the best stead I can for the season coming up. It will be good to get stuck in over pre-season and work hard.

“It’s been going well. It’s been good to get back in and see all the boys. Training has been pretty fun so far, no fitness tests as of yet. There's little bit of anxiety for those in the next few weeks, but it’s great to back training."

With Exiles having made a stack of high-profile signings including Australian quartet Adam Coleman, Nick Phipps, Sekope Kepu and Curtis Rona, British & Irish Lion Sean O'Brien, New Zealand World Cup-winner Waisake Naholo and Irish fly-half Paddy Jackson.

And Brophy Clews is looking forward to seeing their impact as the season progresses.

He said: “It’s the nature of the sport that we are in, there are always changing faces. It’s awesome to meet new people, see the style of rugby they bring and the presence they bring to the changing room. We are going to miss the boys that moved on but that’s the nature of it.

“I am looking forward to meeting all the new lads. We have a couple of the new guys in now with the rest arriving later.”

With the World Cup getting ever closer, Brophy Clews also admitted he is looking forward to seeing what some of the Exiles players can do.

He concluded: “Motu’u Matu was incredible when he came back from injury for the club at the end of last season. He plays with a massive smile on his face and with so much energy so it would be great to see him get the chance in Japan.

“Bryce Campbell as well, is a big wreaking ball. Hopefully he can get some game time for the USA. I think England are in the same group as USA so that will be interesting. I wish everyone who gets the chance to go, the best of luck.”