Dominic Waldouck has been impressed with the depth of the Northampton Saints squad since making his move to the club from London Wasps this summer.
The centre departed the High Wycombe-based side for Franklin’s Gardens at the start of last month, despite still having a year left on his contract.
He will now battle it out with Samoan star George Pisi, fellow new boy Luther Burrell and wily veteran Tom May for one of the two spots in the Saints midfield.
Waldouck is in no doubt he faces a tough task to ensure regular starts, saying: “I think there is quality throughout the squad and that is one of the reasons for coming here.
“You look around the changing room and there are world class players wherever you look.
“There is strength in depth everywhere you look as well and it’s going to be a real tough challenge to get that starting shirt, but that’s certainly a challenge I’m keen on.
“I just try to give it my all on the pitch, try not to leave anything out there, and fight for the jersey.”
Waldouck is no stranger to winning major tournaments, having earned both Premiership and Heineken Cup winners’ medals since graduating from the Wasps Academy.
The 24-year-old has also long been considered a future England international, having represented his country at age group level as well as the Sevens and Saxons teams.
He also toured with the senior side in Australia two years ago, missing out on a place in the test team after suffering an injury.
Since then though, Waldouck has fallen out of contention, while at club level it has been a difficult time for all associated with Wasps in recent seasons.
They spent most of the 2011/12 Aviva Premiership campaign flirting with relegation to the Championship, as well as there being concerns about the club’s finances.
Waldouck’s release to join the Saints was reluctantly agreed to by head coach Dai Young, and he is now aiming to revitalise his career in Northampton.
“I spent ten years at Wasps and I felt like I needed a fresh start and a fresh challenge,” said Waldouck.
“Northampton Saints is a great club with a great history, and they play some great rugby.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Wasps and I wish everyone there the best.
“But I needed a new challenge and what better place to get that than with a Heineken Cup team that is looking to win big trophies.”
