Director of Rugby Dean Ryan admits he has lots to ponder as he looks towards the new season with rife competition for the scrum-half position.
New signing Luke Baldwin made his debut impressing against the Barbarians last weekend, while Charlie Mulchrone came on to make an instant impact setting up a try for Ben Howard.
And with JB Bruzulier on loan at French giants Clermont, as well as the squad’s current highest appearance-maker in Jonny Arr, Ryan has lots to contemplate before choosing his first-choice scrum-half ahead of the Aviva Premiership opener against Northampton Saints on October 16.
He said: “I’ve got four scrum-halves and only three pre-season games.
“Luke looked sharp and tidied things up well against the Barbarians while Charlie is a hell of a competitor. When he’s on the pitch, everything’s up for grabs which is fantastic.
“We’re going to need him in the Premiership and we’ll need him at his best competing with Jonny, Luke and JB. And I’m hoping that group continues to push themselves on.”
Ryan insists all four scrum-halves are hungry to make their mark and believes Bruzulier's chance to play Top 14 rugby will be of huge benefit to the 22-year-old.
He added: “JB will have six games under his belt by the end of October and it’s an outstanding opportunity for him. He’ll enjoy playing for Clermont.
“He will come out with a six-game CV and maybe feel that he wants to be first choice here and by then I’ll have had a look at Charlie, Jonny and Luke.
“JB will be back at a perfect time to come and compete for us so I’ve got lots to think about at scrum-half as they'll all want to be playing in October.”
Meanwhile Ryan confirmed that GJ van Velze will be captain once again for the 2015/16 Aviva Premiership season.
He revealed: “GJ will be captain again this season. He is a fantastic leader as he proved last year.”