Andy Titterell has fond memories of the Kassam Stadium as he looks ahead to playing there with his new club London Welsh.

Former England and Lions man Titterell was in the Sale Sharks side who won European Challenge Cup finals at the Oxford venue in 2002 and 2005.

Now the 32-year-old hooker, who joined from Edinburgh, is targeting more Kassam success and a Premiership return with the Exiles.

“We won both games, which was excellent,” said Titterell.

“I have happy memories of this ground with a couple of Challenge Cups that we won.”

He added: “It is an exciting time for the club remaining here in Oxford. “It is a fantastic stadium and facility and I have heard that the support that has been drawn in from around Oxford is great.

“We just want to continue that and build towards promotion.”

While playing for Welsh, Titterell is studying for a masters in strength and conditioning at St Mary’s College, Twickenham.

A glance at Welsh’s squad list shows that Titterell is one of many new faces at the club this campaign.

He said: “Sometimes if you have a lot of changes it can cause a little uncertainty because the guys haven’t played together.

“But what is really encouraging is that we seem to form some really good partnerships and relationships.

“Once the league starts and the pressure comes on, it is certainly going to be a test for us all.”

Titterell added: “The squad that has been assembled is very exciting.

“It is a good mixture of some youth and experience, especially some experience in the forwards.

“Having played in this league with Leeds when I was captain, It is a gnarly league, it is very in your face.

“There is not a lot of room for errors. If you don’t have a forward pack that will front up every week and provide ball for backs, then you are going to come unstuck.”