London Irish director of rugby Brian Smith has hailed the commitment of England scrum-half Peter Richards after he agreed to pitch himself into action just a week after appearing in the World Cup final.
Richards, 29, was a replacement as England went down bravely to South Africa in Paris but he is already desperate to get back to club rugby in the EDF Energy Cup match against Harlequins tomorrow.
Richards started his professional career with the Exiles before moving on in 1999 - joining Quins before spells with Bristol and Wasps.
He is now ready to make his first appearance for the club since returning and as one of four changes to the side which beat Guinness Premiership pace-setters Gloucester last, Smith expects him to bring a fresh impetus to the side.
``Peter Richards has made himself available for the clash - it's a great effort by him only seven days after playing in the Rugby World Cup final,'' said Smith.
``We're all looking forward to seeing him back in our colours.
``This Sunday we're resting some players where we have to so our team has a core of regular starters plus a number of fresh faces.''
Other additions to the side include Tim Curran at full-back, Nils Mordt at inside centre and Steffon Armitage at flanker.
``Some of the new faces are players coming back from injury and others are 'new blood'. The 'new blood' will bring added enthusiasm and will be surrounded by plenty of experience. It's a big opportunity for these boys and we're confident they'll front up,'' added Smith.
Quins, meanwhile, have also altered their starting XV, with Adrian Jarvis starting in place of Chris Malone at fly-half, James Percival coming in for Jim Evans and South African De Wet Barry and captain Paul Volley also earning the nod.
James Percival also makes a first start of the year alongside Nicholas Spanghero in the second row.
In the day's other match Bristol hosts Llanelli Scarlets, a match that sees Richards' fellow England scrum-half Shaun Perry return to domestic action.
Perry did not appear in the final having lost his place in Brian Ashton's matchday squad after some less than convincing appearances in the pool stage.
But Bristol coach Richard Hill is delighted to be able to call on the international.
Hill said: ``He's back and larger than life as usual. There's been an extra edge to training this week with Shaun back in the mix.
``Shaun has been such a massive part of what we've achieved in these past few seasons. He's a popular lad within the squad and a real favourite with the crowd.
``Llanelli will be a big test for us at the weekend and Shaun declaring himself ready to go is a big bonus. He's fit and healthy and wants to play.
``I can't complain about getting an international-class scrum-half back in the squad.''
Scarlets director of rugby Phil Davies, meanwhile, has chosen to leave one of his World Cup stars, Stephen Jones, on the bench - preferring instead to keep faith with Rhys Priestland at fly-half.
James Hayter also keeps the hooker's jersey ahead of Matthew Rees but Ireland's Simon Easterby is restored to captain the side.