Premiership hopeful Sam Stitcher says Esher are his “main priority” this season as he looks to prove himself at professional level.
The 22-year-old Esher Rugby player, who will also train full-time with Harlequins, expects to set the benchmark for his Esher team-mates with his added fitness.
Stitcher said: “I’ve played in Europe and I want to prove that one day I can compete in the Premiership but at the moment Esher are my main priority.”
The open-side flanker played in the European Challenge Cup and Guinness A League for Leeds Carnegie before joining Esher last year.
“There’s huge emphasis on nutrition and conditioning. Players are very well drilled and in great physical shape.” He said.
Stitcher plans to use his training at Quins as a springboard for the future but claims the National One title is his top concern.
Schmid, Director of Rugby, said: “He’ll have the rest of the squad gunning for him – pushing him all the way. He’s very professional, extremely driven and a great role model.”
The no.7 led Esher during the first ten games of last season when many senior players were forced out through injury, including first-choice captain David Slemen.
Stitcher said: “It was a case of bedding in. It was a really tough period of the season and results weren’t going well. Some important players were out injured.”
Esher won only three of their first ten matches and secured one home victory from a possible five.
But Schmid insisted: “It’s a big ask for anyone to lead a rugby side and at 22 it shows what a quality of an individual Sam is. He’s very level headed and holds immense potential.
“We saw during pre-season training that he could stand up, take charge and demand excellence from the players around him.”
Stitcher admits that he was a vocal part of a very young Esher side but that he was more concerned about playing than any leadership role.
“I don’t strive to be captain though it brings out the best in me. I see it as an add-on to my game. It was more important just to be picked every week.”
He claims to win the title Esher need to play to their strengths and tough-out the long-distance away fixtures.
“Away games at clubs such as Redruth and Wharfedale are where you win or lose the league.
“Our strength is our variation. Some want to play in the Premiership and others are looking to further their careers outside of rugby.” He added.
Stitcher last trained full-time at the age of 16 for two years at Wasps Academy.
Schmid said: “He’s got a massive opportunity to develop his fitness, strength and power and great potential to go up the pecking order at Harlequins.”
