Daniel Browne is hoping for more luck as he belatedly gets his London Welsh season under way today.

The 35-year-old back-row forward is the Exiles’ starting line-up in Lyon for their European Rugby Challenge Cup opener.

And the experienced New Zealander is looking to make up for lost time.

“I fractured my left elbow in the final training session before the season,” said Browne.

“It has been somewhat painful to watch from the stands.

“It has been tough to sit and watch the guys struggling.”

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Browne came through a fitness test this week and was remaining philosophical about his injury.

He said: “I think it was a combination of old age and everything else!”

“As long as they tape it up well, it should be OK.”

Browne faced Lyon several times while playing for Grenoble, whom he helped win promotion to the Top 14 in 2012.

“It was a bit of local derby as it is close to Grenoble,” he said.

“It was always a bit of a tasty game.

“I know a few boys who I played with at Grenoble who are at Lyon now.

“Hopefully, I can work out a few of their line-out calls and put my broken French to some good use.”

He added: “We have got two French teams to face now in Lyon and Bordeaux and we know how tough these next two weeks are.”

Welsh now have four weeks away from the league, with two European games followed by two LV= Cup matches.

“It will be good to use these games to try and put myself in Justin Burnell’s mind for the Premiership,” said Browne.

“Everyone wants to be involved in the Premiership and a lot of guys have been going to the coaches about it.”

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