Centre Hudson Tonga’uiha is out to repay London Welsh’s patience by taking the exiles back to the Premiership, writes Damian Dolan.
 

The Tongan international is set for his first appearance for the club – against Jersey on Saturday – since picking up a shoulder injury  in the club’s top flight win over London Irish in December 2012.
 

The 28-year-old, whose injury comeback was put on hold again when he damaged his achilles tendon  in training in September, scored 12 tries – including two in the Championship final – as Welsh won promotion in 2012.
 

And he is after more of the same over the closing weeks of the campaign.
 

“I’m a bit nervous about Saturday, but I can’t wait, as it’s been a very long time since my last game for the club,” said Tonga’uiha.
 

“The strength and conditioning team are all probably sick of the sight of me. But I would really like to take this opportunity to thank the club for standing by me
 

“Hopefully, I can now pay them back.
 

“It’s been very frustrating because I started last season very well before injury struck, but that can happen to anyone.”
 

He added: “We’ve got a very good squad and I think we are good enough to win the league, but anything can happen in the play-offs.”