ACT Brumbies recruit Sean Doyle will use the National Rugby Championship to start challenging star flanker David Pocock for the Super Rugby side's No.7 starting spot next year.
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Doyle has signed a two-year Super Rugby deal with the Brumbies after spending the past two seasons with Irish club Ulster.
The former electrician will compete with Pocock for the openside flanker duties as the Wallabies captain makes his comeback from knee reconstructions.
Doyle is vowing to use the NRC competition to become a better player and his time with the Canberra Vikings to get a head start at the Brumbies.
"[Pocock] has had a couple of tough years with injury ... a big drawcard for me coming to Canberra was being able to work with him," the 25-year-old said.
"It's someone for me to learn from and to push. No one signs a contract wanting to be second ... I'm not saying I can take over from 'Poey' because he's phenomenal.
"I enjoy that challenge, that's healthy for the team. The NRC is a good head start for me to learn the structures, you've got to earn the respect of the playing group and coaches. This is a chance for me to do that before [the Brumbies'] pre-season starts."
The Vikings launched their NRC season on Wednesday night, unveiling they have a two-pronged sponsorship for the front of their jerseys.
A philanthropist, who has asked to remain anonymous, has paid for the Lifeline and Snowy Hydro SouthCare logos to alternate on the jerseys this season.
The Vikings had budgeted for $200,000 in sponsorship this season, but have already secured $260,000 for the inaugural NRC season. They also have the lowest ticket prices in the competition.
The Australian Rugby Championship went bust in 2007 after losing almost $5 million in its first year and it has taken seven years for the ARU to invest in a new third-tier competition.
"[The philanthropist] wanted to be involved in the Brumbies and indicated he wanted to support the NRC ... he's come on board for two years but he wants to remain anonymous," Brumbies chief executive Doug Edwards said.
"We've exceeded our sponsorship package by 30 per cent. All the sponsorship slots have been sold."
Doyle is set to make his debut against the Perth Spirit at Viking Park on Saturday.
He captained Southern Districts in the Sydney premier competition before signing a deal with Ulster.
He broke his leg and missed almost eight months in his first year, but never gave up on his Super Rugby aspirations.
"I don't think I would have forgiven myself if I turned this Super Rugby chance down, it could be the last so I had to take it," Doyle said.
"I went on a big learning curve with my injury, but I think I'm a better person and a better player for it. The NRC is a chance to lay a marker down and say, 'I'm here for business'."
NATIONAL RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1
Saturday: Canberra Vikings v Perth Spirit at Viking Park, 2.30pm. Tickets available at the gate.
