Sarries switch focus to cup competition after beating London Irish in Aviva Premiership last weekend

Saracens begin their Anglo-Welsh Cup campaign on Sunday when they host Aviva Premiership rivals Harlequins, and wing Nathan Earle is looking forward to more game time in the coming weeks.

The 23-year-old has only started two games for Sarries this term, but came off the bench to score two tries in the 44-13 rout of London Irish in the league on Saturday.

With regular first-team players like Liam Williams and Chris Wyles set to be rested for the Anglo-Welsh Cup games, Earle looks set for plenty of game time in the coming weeks.

And the Saracens flyer is looking forward to making the most of any opportunities that come his way.

“It was really good for me leading into the Anglo-Welsh Cup that I’ve got a bit more game time under my belt,” he told the club website after his two tries.

“Hopefully I can crack on over the next few weeks and enjoy my rugby.”

Earle scored the final two tries for Saracens last weekend as they Allianz Park side eventually cantered to a comfortable win over London Irish.

Despite the final margin of victory, Sarries only led 13-6 at the break, before showing their superiority and pulling away in the second half.

And Earle was pleased the side did not allow frustration to creep in before eventually getting the better of the Exiles.

“It was a slow start, but when we came in at half-time, we said to each other that if we kept on banging at the door, then it was going to open at some point,” he added.

“It did in the end and we practiced what we preached in the second half and did what we said we would at half time.

“We can be pretty proud of our second half performance.”

After coming off the bench against London Irish, Earle linked up with Nick Tompkins, who was playing at centre.

The pair have known each other from a young age, and Earle says it was a pleasure to get on the field with his old friend.

“I’ve known Nick since I was 11 and played rugby with him from a similar age, so any opportunity to play with him again is worth its weight in gold.”

The pair could well get more chances to play together over the next couple of weeks as Sarries switch their attention to the Anglo-Welsh Cup.