OXFORDSHIRE’S Henry Purdy is relishing the challenge of facing London Welsh at the Kassam Stadium tomorrow night.

Purdy, from Milton-under-Wychwood, made his Aviva Premiership debut for Gloucester in last Friday’s 25-22 home defeat to Exeter Chiefs.

The 20-year-old started at outside centre in the clash at Kingsholm and now hopes to be involved against Oxford-based Welsh, who have lost all three league games so far.

“We need to lick our wounds and regroup,” said former Burford and Cokethorpe School pupil Purdy, who played junior rugby for Chipping Norton.

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“We need to get the points from the next game.

“Welsh will be coming out of the blocks firing.

“I am looking forward to the challenge.”

England Under 20 international Purdy joined Gloucester from Leicester this summer.

His debut for the Cherry and Whites came in front of 13,463 fans at Kingsholm and he can expect a large contingent of them to travel to Oxford tomorrow.

“I felt at home,” he said. “It was a massive atmosphere.

“I think the crowd welcome any new player.

“The senior boys took me under their wing and made me feel welcome too. I really enjoyed it.”

Gloucester came close to victory against Exeter after battling back from 25-12 down, leaving Purdy with bittersweet feelings on his debut.

He said: “The boys really dug in and showed a bit of character towards the end and the momentum was going our way.

“I thought we might be able to nick it.

“It was a bit bitterwsweet, but I am glad to have this one under my belt.”

Prior to giving Purdy his debut, Gloucester director of rugby and Oxford Blue David Humphreys was full of praise.

“He has been successful at every level he has stepped up to,” said Humphreys.

“We wouldn’t pick him if we didn’t believe he could do a very good job.”

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