VERSATILE back Ben Howard came off second best in an early tussle with experienced London Scottish flanker Neil Best but accepts injuries are part of the game.

Howard was treated after a collision with the former Warrior in the Championship play-off semi-final second leg before leaving the field soon afterwards.

Howard, who can play at full-back or on the wing, knows his chance to shine in the Warriors first team this term happened after Chris Pennell picked up an injury.

“Injuries are part and parcel of it and Chris is a lovely guy but it has been nice to get involved and, for me that’s how I have had a lot of opportunities to play,” said Howard.

“I have tried to concentrate on what I can do and when he’s back fit, hopefully, the coaches will have a dilemma over who they are going to pick.”

The back has been in the wars in recent weeks – he was also forced to wear a headband – akin to team-mate Andy Symons – in a recent match after cutting his head.

“I had to wear one because I cut my head against Cornish Pirates but I know Andy Symons wears a headband for a different reason,” said Howard.

“Andy wears them because his ears rip a little bit. I remember the person who helped me with my headband said I looked like an under-15s second row because I was quite tall with skinny legs.”

Howard took a big interest in last weekend's General Election because after he left Warwick School he was given a place to study politics in Bath.

“I deferred my place at university for a couple of years and because I chose to focus on my rugby and I lost my place at university,” he said.

“I found politics quite interesting but I am keen to do a degree at some sort and the club are very helpful towards that.

“If I hadn’t been a rugby player, I thought about converting a degree to become a lawyer.”

He added: “Further education is something I am keen to do – I just need to find the best way of trying to balance rugby with studying.”