Kai ready to lead by example

 

Kai Horstmann's summer switch to Exeter Chiefs has so far been more of a nightmare than the fairytale he had hoped for - but back fit after injury the back-rower insists he intends to use the LV= Cup as a platform to prove he is worthy of an Aviva Premiership start.

Recruited from Premiership rivals Worcester Warriors, the 31-year-old forward has yet to figure for the Chiefs in competitive action after suffering a hamstring injury just weeks into the new season.

But having seen more of the Chiefs' medical team than the first-team squad since putting pen to paper, the former England Saxon admits it is a relief to finally be in line to return to action this weekend as part of a side featuring many with a point to prove.

Horstmann, who is poised to lead the Chiefs when they face Bath in the LV= Cup on Saturday, a ground they lost 23-15 at earlier this season in the Aviva Premiership, admits he is particularly honoured and excited to be granted such an opportunity.

"It has been a tough few months. It was not a great injury and one of those things in the game," said Horstmann. "You always picture the light at the end of the tunnel so it's just great to finally get there.

"It wasn't the best of starts to life at a new club. It's never ideal getting an injury at any stage but especially immediately when you come to a new club and want to make a big impression straight away.

"I have seen a lot of the medical team so a big thumbs up to them. I am really enjoying life here and I haven't played as much rugby as I would have liked but I can't wait to assert myself in the second half of the season.

"I am hoping all that is very much behind me now and I am ready for Saturday. All the boys are itching to get out there at the weekend and it's all really exciting for me.

"It is a great responsibility to captain the side. I am very honoured to be asked and I will do my best. It is a group of guys that all have points to prove. They are a good group and some of us have not played for a while.

"We have done well in this tournament previously so we want to push on and ensure qualification."

With the side's younger stars likely to be giving the chance to prove their worth in the LV= Cup, Horstmann insists the Chiefs are beginning to build a squad that can regularly challenge for a Heineken Cup spot like they secured last season.

However, the back-row forward  is all too aware of how important gaining first-team experience will be to the progression of the whole squad.

"In terms of talent around the place it is very exciting for this club going forward," he added. "There is a huge amount of guys who haven't played as much rugby as they would have liked but they want to do the club proud.

"With every experience you mature and learn a bit and that is what these guys will be doing. We are developing a squad here and can only learn from our games so this weekend will be a good test."