Carl Kirwan: London Welsh flanker confident of turnaround

Kirwan came through the academy system at Newcastle

London Welsh flanker Carl Kirwan says it is "inevitable" the club will earn their first win of the season.

Welsh are without a win in any competition this season and face Edinburgh in the European Rugby Challenge Cup this weekend.

"Wins will come, that is inevitable, it's just when," said Kirwan.

"The game against London Irish on Boxing Day is huge, it's massive for us and we need momentum from our next two games and I think we'll get there."

Welsh were promoted in the summer and are bottom of the Premiership with Irish a place above them.

Kirwan made his Premiership debut last weekend against Northampton after an ankle injury ruled him out of the start of the season.

He said it was an "honour" to play in the game, admitting it was a far cry from his previous life working as a offshore North Sea scaffolder.

"I got let go from the Newcastle academy, which was unfortunate, but there came a time where I needed to earn some money," he said.

"My father works on the rigs so he got me a job and I did a few trips offshore.

"It was just a tough, hard-working job and it made me stronger. It wasn't too bad, you just get on with it."

Kirwin, who joined Welsh from Rotherham in 2013, is determined to make the most of his career after getting a taste of life in the Premiership.

"I still have the passion to push on and play at the highest possible level. You are always taught to reach for the stars and if you don't aim at the very top you won't even get halfway."