Former Esher winger Phil Mackenzie has put his impressive start to his Premiership career down to his spell at Molesey Road.

The 25-year-old London Welsh star has started all six top flight games for the Exiles and scored his first try in the 28-23 defeat to Gloucester earlier this month.

The Canada international was part of the Esher squad that was relegated to National Division One the final day of last season with a 31-26 defeat at London Scottish.

Mackenzie switched to Old Deer Park in the summer, but has taken to life in the top flight like a duck to water  thanks to his two seasons in the Championship.

“I couldn’t be happier with how things are going personally. I’ve wanted to play in the  Premiership ever since I came to England,” he said.

“Last year with Esher was not fun, but I’ve drawn a lot from those experiences.

“This year the aim is just to stay in the league. We know it is going to be a struggle, but I got used to that at Esher and you can use that experience to tough it out.”

And Mackenzie, who is set to make three international appearances for Canada this autumn against Romania, Russia and New Zealand Maori only expects to get better the longer he is at Old Deer Park.

“It is pretty different here to Esher because it is full professional. It is a huge learnnig curve,” he added.

“But Lyn Jones is one of the best coaches I have ever worked with and he makes you a better player every time you come to work.”

Welsh head coach Lyn Jones admitted his men had been taught a lesson in the wake of Saturday’s 68-14 Amlin Cup mauling at the hands of French giants Stade Francais.

The Exiles travel travel to Italy this week to face I Cavalieri.