Globetrotter Chris Fusaro sets his sights on ending Neath run

From Singapore to San Diego, Wellington to Dubai, the 20-year-old wing forward has enjoyed some exotic locations and that's in addition to turning out for various Scotland age-group sides in 15-a-sides. But there's no disguising the youngster's enthusiasm as he looks forward to breaking more new ground tomorrow as part of the Heriot's team which contests a British and Irish Cup tie with Neath at Goldenacre (2pm).

"I missed the opening two rounds when Heriot's entertained Nottingham and visited Coventry because of an elbow injury and that was disappointing," he said.

"However, while getting a few games under my belt since the beginning of December, I've taken on board my team-mates' chat about how we haven't a lot to lose and have everything to gain from broadening our horizons in this type of fixture."

Neath are on a five-in-a-row run which has taken them to the top of the Welsh premiership but, like Heriot's, they lost their opening two games in this competition.

Something will have to give and Heriot's have also found some recent form. During a five-wins-from-six-games spurt, the lowest number of points they have scored in victory has been 28.

With qualification for the knock-out stages now difficult, Fusaro is, nevertheless, one of those with particular incentive. The eyes of the pro scouts are expected to be on Fusaro, who was picked out recently by Rugby World magazine as one of the prospects to follow in 2010.

Significantly, his return to fitness has coincided with the success of Heriot's and a bonus for him this weekend is the return of former Scotland sevens captain Mark Lee to the back row.

"Mark has such enthusiasm – he's a pleasure to be packing down alongside," says Fusaro, who is tipped for a contract with Glasgow Warriors next season.

"Also, Finlay Gillies, my old Scotland under-20 colleague, is fit again at hooker.

"Things are looking up at Heriot's, even if it disappointing that a broken finger will keep (stand-off] Rory Hutton sidelined for at least another week. Besides wanting to take a scalp in the B&I, there's the matter of trying to qualify through the domestic league if the competition is repeated next year."

Meanwhile, Heriot's coach Bob McKillop is planning for a change in opposition style.

"Against English sides, you know you are going to be confronted by a full-on, physical approach," he said. "The Welsh can be guaranteed to have a bit of extra flair with Neath liable to field ex-Wales internationalists Kevin Morgan and Arwel Thomas both of whom have scored tries against Scotland in the past."

McKillop is delighted to have "positive selection dilemmas", with Scott Burnett returning from club international duty to challenge for the hooker's shirt presently held by ex-under-20 cap Finlay Gillies. Meanwhile, Malcolm Welch is credited with galvanising the pack in their 40-0 Scottish Cup win at Watsonians last week yet will come under pressure from another clubs cap, Alan Dymock.

Heriot's have taken injuries among their backs including Richie Mill (ribs) and Jonny Alston (ear) but, under competition rules, they can draft in talent from fellow premiership sides.

But McKillop insisted: "In so far as possible, we will stick with Heriot's players because of the effort and commitment shown in difficult circumstances this winter – these lads deserve the opportunity."