London Welsh fly-half Olly Barkley has backed the team to make a swift return to the Aviva Premiership next season.

The Exiles are currently preparing for life in the Championship after their relegation from the top flight was confirmed last month.

Barkley, who recently signed a contract extension at the Kassam Stadium, is confident that Welsh can seal promotion next term.

"I enjoy being here despite it being a tough year," he told BBC Sport. "I enjoy being around the boys and coaches and hopefully we can turn it around next year.

"It's been a stop-start season with illness and injury. I haven't had the consistency so that's definitely something I want to do next season, get out there and contribute to the team."

London Welsh are back in league action on Saturday when they make the trip to Leicester Tigers.

Written by
Jack Prescott