FLANKER Carl Kirwan admits he has learnt a lot from his Aviva Premiership experience after a tough season in the top-flight with London Welsh.

Kirwan was pinpointed by director of rugby Dean Ryan as an ideal addition to his squad, despite being part of a Welsh side relegated from the top flight without winning a game.

The 24-year-old believes his year of Premiership action will stand him in good stead.

He said: “It wasn’t a great season for me because the team struggled and I had a few injuries. But it’s made me more hungry to be successful now I’ve been given an opportunity to stay in the Premiership with Warriors.

“All experience in the top flight is beneficial because you’re constantly problem- solving.

“You realise the speed of the game and how different it is to the Championship.”

Kirwan would have been on the edge of his seat as Warriors clinched a 59-58 aggregate success over Bristol in the two-legged Championship play-off final.

After signing Kirwan, Warriors boss Ryan spoke of the powerful player’s leadership strengths.

Kirwan captained Welsh a number of times and says he always tries to lead by example on the field.

He said: “On the pitch I try to be as much of a leader as I can and that’s a common theme in the back row.

“It’s about working hard. People follow people who work hard and at the moment I’m focused on getting my head down and grafting.”

With the World Cup delaying the start of the Premiership season, Kirwan and his new team-mates will have longer than usual to prepare for the new campaign.

Warriors kick off their top-flight return against Northampton Saints at Sixways on Friday, October 16 (7.45pm).

Kirwan insists the extra time together will be beneficial for Warriors.

He said: “The delay to the start of the season gives us a lot more time for the team to gel so we can become even more of a tight-knit group, which will work in our favour.

“What the boys have built over the last season or so has been unbelievable and I can’t wait to be part of that.”