RICHARD Fussell makes his competitive debut for the Ospreys tonight adamant he has nothing to prove to the gloom-mongers who insist he will regret his move to the Liberty Stadium.

The talented wing has looked sharp in two pre-season outings, offering early promise that his decision to move west and compete for a place with the likes of Tommy Bowe, Shane Williams and Nikki Walker will pay off.

He gets an early use of the jersey when he figures alongside Walker in the side that takes on Ulster at Ravenhill.

And he understands the importance of taking every chance that comes along.

"I'm looking forward to the season starting," he said.

"I started in two pre-season games and was quite happy with the way they went for me, so, fingers crossed, I can continue playing well and take it from there.

"A lot of people have said that I'd regret joining the Ospreys, but in my head I knew it was the right move.

"At the end of the day I believe in my own ability.

"If I didn't believe I could make it here, I wouldn't have come.

"I needed a fresh start, to try something different."

Fussell hopes that rubbing shoulders with the likes of Bowe and Williams on a regular basis will benefit him it as the season progresses.

He added: "The Ospreys having Test wings doesn't faze me. In fact, it was one of the reasons why I came, because with people like Tommy, Shane and Nikki, there's a wealth of experience and the only thing you can do is learn off them.

"If you are training with the best, it can only improve you."

MARK ORDERS