Jack's firing on all cylinders again

Injury denied Jack Arnott his chance at glory this summer but the Exeter Chiefs winger insists he has every intention of firing back on all cylinders when the new season gets underway.

The 19-year-old winger was part of the England Under-20s set-up that claimed the Six Nations title earlier this year, but a shoulder injury sustained against France during the tournament ruled the youngster out of this summer's IRB Junior World Championships.

England returned with the title, the first in their history, after a fine comeback win over Wales in the final while Arnott could only watch on TV.

But fully recovered now, the youngster is desperate to prove his worth in the new campaign, starting with the J.P. Morgan Asset Manager Premiership Rugby 7s that get underway on Thursday, August 1.

"I dislocated my shoulder against France in the Six Nations and it meant I also missed out on the World Cup," he said. "Although disappointing it was a good chance to reassess where I was at and my condition. I feel like I am in better shape and better nick than I was before I picked up the injury.

"So it's good to take some positives out of a difficult situation. Obviously it was a massive blow but they were all really supportive. The work that the staff put in with everyone, with injuries picked up at the end of the season, they have done a good job.

"I can't wait to get out there and to have a run around. Hopefully I will be featured in the 7s. It's a fantastic tournament to be involved in. The crowd gets bigger each year, the skills on show and the rugby is improving. Hopefully we will put a good team out.

"I do like the 7s. I love getting out there and running around. We will see what comes from it. Although I like the 7s, I am here at the club to play 15s so that is my aim."

The Chiefs have been drawn in Group A that gets underway on August 1 at Kingsholm where they will take on hosts Gloucester Rugby, Bath Rugby and Worcester Warriors.

And Arnott admits he is looking forward to blowing off the cobwebs and testing his pre-season fitness when the matches get underway.

"Obviously you go in and want to win but it's a good chance to see how fit you all are and find out where you are before the season. It's a good benchmark for us as a team," he added. "We're all gelling together quite well, we've got a couple of weeks to get all sorted and gel.

"I think we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to do well. A lot of it comes from within from the players and the coaching rather than outside pressure to keep doing well. We haven't set ourselves any targets for next season just yet, it's more about developing as players and just focusing on us as a team and not what other people are saying."

The J.P Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s kicks off on 1st August at Kingsholm with rounds at Franklin's Gardens and Allianz Park and the Final at The Recreation Ground. For tickets and more information visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com or follow @jpmorganrugby7s