Exeter Chiefs academy player Michael Stupple has said the competition for places at Sandy Park is having a very positive effect on the squad.

The number eight is set to make his first start for the unbeaten Chiefs when they play Newport in the British & Irish Cup on Friday.

"The atmosphere [at Sandy Park] is great," Stupple told BBC Spotlight.

"Every day we come into training there's smiles on faces because we just want to train hard and play hard."

With the Chiefs unbeaten in their first 11 matches of this season's Championship campaign, Stupple has been unable to break into the first team so far.

However the newly-formed British & Irish Cup gives the 19-year-old a chance to prove his mettle in a Chiefs shirt.

If we're winning week-in week-out, it's hard for players, particularly those who aren't in the 22 to get in there Michael Stupple

"I'm really excited," said Stupple. "It's my first start for the season so hopefully I can go out there and show them that I can play and hopefully get a bit more confidence.

"If we're winning week-in week-out, it's hard for players, particularly those who aren't in the 22 to get in there.

"We all train as hard as we can to try and get into that squad, but it's really tough.

Stupple has not been without first team rugby this season, having made eight appearances for Redruth during a loan spell with the National One side.

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