Bath and England star Matt Banahan believes he is the fittest he has ever been going into the new Aviva Premiership season.
He has lost a stone in weight during the summer and the 6ft 7ins powerhouse is confident his leaner frame will place him in better stead for club and country this term.
"After speaking to the coaches at England and here, it's never going to do you any harm to be fitter and healthier on that rugby pitch," he said.
"I've had a very good pre-season. I wanted to become leaner and more powerful, and I think I've shown I've become that by playing at 13 in a few of the pre-season games. I've had to be fitter and it's added an extra string to my bow.
"You always want to be the best you can be and with the World Cup only 12 or 13 months away, I've got to give it my best shot to be in that squad.
"I'm stronger and more powerful but now I've got to push on for the whole of the season. It's about advancing to the next level."