HE has never run away from a challenge in his rugby life to date but Worcester Warriors fly-half Tom Heathcote admits he faces a major battle for the number 10 jersey with Ryan Lamb.

Heathcote was a frustrated spectator in the opening weeks of the new Aviva Premiership season but was eventually handed his chance against Bath in round three.

Heathcote suffered a calf injury and Lamb was installed as playmaker during the 34-34 draw with Sale Sharks last weekend.

The former Scotland international will start against Newcastle Falcons tomorrow (3pm) and is now desperate to cement his place.

Worcester may still be seeking a first win of the season but Heathcote maintains Warriors’ ambition is not to simply avoid relegation but instead to kick on and challenge for a European spot.

“It’s obviously a bit frustrating, it’s not the start of the season I would have wanted,” said Heathcote at the launch of this year’s Aviva Community Fund alongside team-mates Chris Pennell and Phil Dowson.

“I am trying to keep training hard like last season and now I want to get that jersey and hang on to it.

“I want to try to get back to doing what I was doing well last season and consistently as much as possible.

“They are the main two things if I am to get a shot to get that confidence back and kick on.

“As a club, we want to be looking up the league challenging for European spots and not worrying about what’s beneath us.

“That’s the goal and every point is hugely important to do that. At the end of the season there’s not many points between teams in the mid-table.

“We want to be in and around there and in with a shout, we know it’s going to be difficult.

“Every team wants to be in Europe and they are pushing for that spot.”

The fund is a nationwide initiative that lends a helping hand to communities by offering support and funding for inspirational local causes, clubs and projects.

It has already benefited over 320,000 people through 431 winning projects across the United Kingdom and this year local grassroots sports clubs can apply or reapply for funding in a new, sport-specific category.

And Heathcote believes the importance of grassroots rugby cannot be overstated.

He added: “It’s important for kids to have the direction and support. Rugby can give you that through doing well for a team or coaches.”

Heathcote has made three appearances for Scotland at senior level and, despite being in the international wilderness in recent years, he’s refusing to give up on one day returning.

Premiership Rugby and the 12 Aviva Premiership Rugby Clubs are supporting the Aviva Community Fund, a nationwide initiative which offers funding of up to £25,000 to grassroots sports clubs and other community organisations close to your heart. Enter at aviva.co.uk/community-fund.