WITH new kit comes a new season, and former Worcester man Matt Kvesic is relishing his chance to run out at Kingsholm in a Gloucester jersey.
The 21-year-old readily admits it will be a tough ask to make the starting 15 given the quality of the current Cherry and Whites back row.
But Kvesic, who was mentored at Worcester by newly-appointed forwards coach Andrew Stanley, is not underestimating how much he can learn at Gloucester.
"It's very different as I've not experienced anything other than life at Worcester," said Kvesic.
"Don't get me wrong, I had a great time at Sixways, but I think the change in environment, meeting new guys, and learning new calls has been really good for me.
"I'm learning a lot. Working with different coaches with different opinions and ways of doing things has been good too.
"I'm pulling all that together, and trying to learn from guys like Andy Hazell and Akapusi Qera as well, and hopefully it will be a really good season.
"I've got to try to get in the team. It is a strong back row but the competition is vital and something that benefits a lot of people.
"I can learn of a lot from the guys, and playing with such quality players is going to be great."
The openside flanker made his Test debut this summer on the tour to Argentina, and utilised playing alongside Gloucester men such as Freddie Burns, Jonny May, and Ben Morgan to great effect.
Kvesic said that bonds were forged in a hostile Argentina, and that the players prepared him for what life would be like at Kingsholm.
"Playing with Ben Morgan in the scrums and the back row was great," said Germany-born Kvesic.
"And looking after Freddie on the inside and making his tackles as well was good fun.
"Jonny was out there too, and he gave me a lowdown on what to expect when I come to Gloucester, such as the famous head shaving on tour.
Though Kvesic emphasised that his main objective now is to make an outstanding start to his Gloucester campaign, it will be tough for him to get the sweet memories of his international experience out of his head.
"It was a really exciting time," he said.
"Playing for England is something I've wanted to since I started playing rugby. You don't want to be complacent with it. I'm obviously really pleased.
"It's a real honour and a real pleasure but I don't want it to be two caps and that's it. It gives you that taste and makes you want it a little bit more as well.
"But I am looking forward to next season now. For me, it's all about having a big start to the season in a Gloucester shirt.
"It's going to be tough for me trying to get in to the team so if I have a big start to the season and play well, you never know what will happen in those autumn internationals."
Pre-season training should be enough to ground Kvesic, who admits that it has been 'quite gruelling' so far.
"Its been a really good, tough first week," he said.
"It certainly blew the cobwebs out early doors but that's what pre-season training is all about – getting ready for the season.
"And the whole squad have been great and really welcoming. I'm looking forward to getting away to Tignes now."
