By Nate Saunders

Matt Corker admits each week in the Aviva Premiership still presents a steep learning curve for London Welsh, but insists it is a challenge he and his team-mates are relishing.

The Exiles have belied pre-season expectations so far in 2012-13, proving they are able to win at home and away with four Premiership victories to their name already.

Last weekend’s hard-fought 15-9 victory against London Irish could be crucial in the context of their season, with Brian Smith’s men one of two teams below them in the table. 

And towering 6ft 7in lock Corker, who spent four years with Welsh in the Championship, is happy to admit the season is still as challenging as it was when it commenced in early September.

Corker said: “Every week presents a fresh challenge for us and it’s something we all rise to as a unit.

“We’re not going to start looking at the league table yet and say ‘we need to beat them’ because you should do that with every game but certainly there are some games we know are massive for our season.

“We beat London Irish last weekend, for example, while being far from our best.

“It’s those sort of wins you need to be grinding out in a league like this because it’s ruthlessly competitive.

“But we know we deserve to be in this league and we’ve shown that so far.

“If we keep playing the way we can we are as tough to beat as anyone else in the league – that’s what makes the Premiership so competitive.

“We’re learning with each weekend that passes and that’s key for us.

“We’re still yet to hit our best form and that’s exciting because it means there’s plenty more to come.”

Gordon Ross kicked five penalties as Welsh beat 14-man Irish in the battle of the Exiles.

In a season full of new challenges, Welsh’s attention now turns back to Europe – resuming Amlin Cup hostilities with a double-header against FC Grenoble Rugby.

Meanwhile, Welsh have announced a new sponsorship deal with Storm watches.

The sponsorship covers the 2012-13 season through to May 2013.
Aviva are proud to be the title sponsor of Aviva Premiership Rugby – one of the world’s leading rugby union competitions. Each season will feature 135 games, that will be watched by 1.7m people live at the grounds and many more through their broadcast partners Sky, ITV and ESPN. Visit premiershiprugby.com.