RICHIE Pugh knows all about taking a step backwards in order to take two forward.

After five years with the Ospreys, during which time he earned a Welsh cap, the Swansea-born flanker found himself out in the cold after being released 18 months ago.

With offers few on the ground, the 26-year-old opted to join English Division One outfit Exeter Chiefs — and he hasn't looked back.

One season on, he is back in the Welsh professional set-up having been handed a contract by Scarlets chief Nigel Davies.

And now, as Wales's international stars take a step away from the regional scene, Pugh is again eyeing a chance to press ahead in his pursuit of a regular starting spot.

He has played a bit-part role so far this season, appearing regularly, but often from the bench. But he is set to start in Connacht tonight, where he is determined to step away from the fringe and take centre-stage.

"To be involved in Heineken Cup games has been brilliant because obviously last year I was involved in division one games in England," said Pugh.

"It's really pleasing. I feel I've settled in, it's been a good move so far and hopefully it will carry on.

"It was a difficult time being released from the Ospreys and the situation was that there wasn't a club available for me to go to.

"I moved to Exeter and it's not one I regret in any way because it allowed me to get the game time and get my confidence back.

"I wouldn't take it back, because although it is just division one rugby in England, it is a good standard and it's a professional set-up down there."

Pugh was a mainstay of a Chiefs side that narrowly missed out on promotion to the Guinness Premiership, finishing second behind Leeds.

"It was refreshing because getting out of Wales was quite good as there was less pressure," he said.

"I was playing 80 minutes week in, week out, and that was great because after the Ospreys I wasn't in a great place really.

"It opened up opportunities back home and when one came I jumped at it.

"There was a time when I didn't know what I'd be doing and if I had much left to offer in Wales. It made me appreciate where I am now.

"You learn from that and I guess that's what experience is about."

Pugh will add to the three starts he has made so far this season at the Sportsground tonight and is determined to make the most of it.

He will form part of a Scarlets side looking for their first win of the campaign away from home, but buoyed by a home triumph over the Dragons a week ago which came after back-to-back European successes.

"With the internationals away, the boys coming in have to find their feet and put in a big performance," added Pugh.

"Connacht is a difficult place, but we've got to carry on from the Dragons game and work our way up the table because we don't want to be near the bottom. We want to be competing for top honours.

"I've played there a few times and it's never easy. It's different from the nice arenas and stadiums we've played in over the past few weeks.

"I do put pressure on myself and I find it doesn't help, so I'll try to enjoy it and hopefully the performance will come from there.

"Nigel has given me an opportunity this weekend and it's up to me to make my mark."