Marco Riccioni is hoping to put 11 months of injury hell behind him by laying the platform for Saracens' bid to become English champions once again.
The Italian tighthead joined Saracens at the start of last season from Benetton and made an instant impact with his destructive scrummaging and his carrying in the tight.
But disaster struck last November when he was stretchered off during Italy's Test against Argentina after rupturing the ACL in his left knee.
But the 24-year-old is back now anchoring the Saracens scrum again and is hungry for silverware.
“It's just great to be back – 11 months is a long time to be out injured,” he said. “I've been through an emotional rollercoaster. When you see the guys playing in semi-finals and finals while you are sat at home watching, it isn't very easy.
“I'm a very competitive person and I want to be playing in those big games.
“The group were amazing with me. They could have just left me sitting on the side while they played but they made sure they involved me in everything off the field.
“I'm back now and I hope my scrummaging can help Saracens win more trophies.”
Historically, Saracens have always been very good at identifying players with potential who aren't household names and transforming them into top end players. Riccioni falls into this bracket, and he is adamant training with the likes of Maro Itoje, Mako Vunipola, and Jamie George has made him a better player.
“Playing in the Premiership has really helped improve my game,” he said. “The URC is a bit slower. With the game being faster in the Premiership you have to get your details spot on.
“Training and playing with the international boys at Saracens have really helped me improve my game. Watching the way the likes of Maro trains and play inspires me. When you train with them you see what they do which motivates me to improve myself.”
The 18-cap international still retains aspirations to play for Italy but says he won't figure at Test level this November, opting to remain at Saracens.
“I spoke with the Italy coaches a couple of weeks ago, and we had a very honest conversation,” he said. “I told them I didn't feel ready to play for Italy in November because I've just come back after a year out. I miss playing for Italy and I will be back in the blue jersey one day but playing for Saracens is what's best for me at the moment.”
