BREAKING into the Wasps back-row this season is a pretty tough ask so Guy Thompson knows he will have to take every chance that he gets.

The former Hereford man has found game time hard to come by this season, through no real fault of his own as the back-row of James Haskell, Ashley Johnson and Nathan Hughes have been so impressive.

The return of the LV= Cup gives a platform for the squad players and academy youngsters to impress however and Thompson, who has made only two starts in Aviva Premiership Rugby this season, is itching to impress.

Wasps kicked off their campaign last weekend with a narrow defeat against Sale Sharks and the back-row admits he and his teammates must set the record straight.

“We were really disappointed with how we played against Sale last weekend,” he said.

“To concede that score at the end was tough, we were happy with how we went in the first half but we are desperate to get the win this week.

“We have got a great back-row at the club, everyone is pushing each other on and whenever you get the chance you know that you have to get your best out on the pitch.

“We know what we need to address as individual players, you sit down with the coaches and discuss your individual strengths and weaknesses.

“We know that there are always injuries, and also with the game being as physical as it is people cannot play week in and week out, especially with us in the Champions Cup as well.

“So you have to keep making sure that you are ready to take your chance when it comes along.”

Thompson impressed last year, his first at the club after making the move from Championship side Jersey, scoring nine tries in 25 appearances for the club.

So it is interesting to hear the 27-year-old admit it took him a while to settle at Adams Park.

“The first year is always nerve-wracking,” he added.

“You are trying to learn about how the club play but now I feel more comfortable, the players know each other inside out.

“This is a club that is going places, it’s exciting times and so, whether it is the LV= Cup or in Europe, we want to play every game to win, every game is an opportunity to progress.”

Be part of the rugby family at the LV= Cup Final at Franklin’s Gardens, Northampton on Sunday,March 22. Visit www.northamptonsaints.co.uk for tickets