Schmid represented Canada in the 2003 World Cup

Esher coach Mike Schmid says he sees their British & Irish Cup campaign as a chance to give his key players a rest.

Esher lost their opening pool game 33-14 to Llanelli on Saturday and go to Scottish side Melrose this weekend.

Schmid told BBC Surrey: "The good thing is it breaks up our league campaign. We've played every weekend from 28 August until now.

"That's gruelling for semi-professional players. We can change our team around and freshen a few guys up."

He added: "Each and every week it's physical and mental battles. This week takes the pressure off a bit.

"What we want to do is come out the other side against Nottingham and have the best possible and fittest 22 we can."

Esher currently lie second from bottom of the Championship, with three wins from their 14 matches.

Schmid sees their next four league games, against Nottingham, London Welsh, Birmingham & Solihull and Plymouth as crucial to their season.

"We're trying to focus all our energy on that four game set to see how many points we can get," he said.

"Realistically we've got to get a couple of wins out of four."

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