Loosehead prop Alex Corbisiero is relishing the forthcoming battle with fellow British & Irish Lion Mako Vunipola after playing a key role in the tourists’ series win over Australia.
Corbisiero started the first and third Tests against the Qantas Wallabies while Vunipola wore the No.1 jersey for the second, which ended in a one-point defeat for the Lions.
The pair will now resume domestic action with Vunipola at Saracens and Corbisiero beginning his Northampton Saints career, having moved from London Irish.
But come the autumn, they will both be vying for the England loosehead prop position, and it’s a tussle Corbisiero is already looking forward to.
“I really enjoy being in the squad with Mako. He's a good guy on and off the field, an outstanding player," said Corbisiero, who scored the Lions’ first try in the decisive third Test in Sydney.
“What he's achieved in the last year has been incredible. The competition will only strengthen both of us.
“We'll both be fighting to start, but also be happy to come off the bench. It's a position of strength because there's Joe Marler as well.”
Having played such a key role in the tourists’ success, it’s easy to forget that Corbisiero was not included in the original squad, named by head coach Warren Gatland.
And the New York-born 24-year-old revealed it was experience he will never forget.
"Playing in those Tests was incredible. The experience is very hard to describe, it was incredible," he said.
“I underestimated how special a Lions tour is, so to experience it first hand was incredible.
“Being in the same dressing room with Paul O'Connell, Brian O'Driscoll and Sam Warburton – the last three Lions captains in one team – is something I'll always remember.”
