FORMER Okehampton rugby player Julian White has the chance to put a tough year behind him and book his place on the plane to the Rugby World Cup by seizing his chance to shine against Wales this weekend.
The experienced prop joined Leicester Tigers from Bristol Shoguns this summer after a 2002/03 campaign ravaged by suspension and injury.
White served a ten-week suspension that prevented him from playing in last autumn?s internationals and returned to make a solitary Six Nations appearance against France.
The rest of the season was wrecked by a knee injury ?operated on by former England full back Jonathan Webb in February ? and the 30-year-old also missed out on England?s summer tours to Australia, New Zealand and North America.
But after six months of inactivity, White will win his 15th cap against Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday ? the first of three warm-up games before Clive Woodward names his 30-strong World Cup squad on September 8.
?The game is a huge opportunity to do something and earn a place at the World Cup,? said Julian.
?I have had little opportunity in the past few months and perhaps I?d have liked a little more time.
?But we haven?t got a lot of games for the coaches to watch now, so I know I?ve got to go out and perform against Wales in Cardiff and it?s tough for anyone to go there.
?The first 20 minutes will be pretty fast and once we get back in the rhythm I?m sure it?ll be fine.?
The ban White received last September, for a sending off while playing for Bristol against Leicester, raised questions about his temperament in the heat of battle.
But he insists he has learned his lesson and will take the chance to repay Woodward?s faith in him.
?Without doubt, that might have been the end of my England career,? he admitted. ?I didn?t know what Clive would do and all I could do was keep my head down and train hard and then play well.
?When you get the chance you can?t afford to mess up and now I?ve got to go out and prove that.
?I know if I do anything foolish I might not get picked again for England and that?s a very big deterrent.
?I?ve learned my lesson and now I?m looking forward to this weekend.?