SOUTHEND Saxons' new scrum half Lester Pollard is out to prove himself as a real hit at the club this season.

The 22-year-old from New Zealand will make his competitive debut for the Saxons at home to Redruth in the opening game of the National Two South campaign at Warners Bridge tomorrow.

But his summer switch only came about after Pollard impressed Saxons' director of rugby Chris Green on an internet video.

“Another one of the club's players from New Zealand, David Jackson, runs a website called Rugby Hits Media and he suggested that I also came over to England to play,” explained Pollard.

“He showed some videos of me to the coach who invited me over and it's all happened quite quickly since then.

“I've settled in well and I'm looking forward to the season getting underway.”

Pollard is now experiencing rugby for the first time outside of New Zealand.

He lined up in two of Southend's pre-season friendlies.

And he is confident the team can enjoy a successful season.

“I've been impressed by the players in training and in our friendlies and I really do think we can finish in the top four,” said Pollard.

“The early impressions have been good and we obviously want to take that in to the first game of the season against Redruth and make sure we start the season with a good result.

“We're all confident but we will have to see how it goes.

Pollard, who is living in Leigh on Sea, is keen to help make that happen as Southend bid to improve on the eighth placed finish they secyred last season.

“I like to play a running game and will be looking to do that here,” said Pollard.

“I'm excited to be here and it's an opportunity I want to make the most of.”

The match at Warners Bridge kicks off at 2.30pm.