Wes Goosen believes Edinburgh are in a stronger position now to challenge at the top end of the United Rugby Championship.

The capital club endured a difficult end to the campaign and failed to make the playoffs, not helped by a number of injuries to key players.

Goosen believes there is greater continuity now at the club with head coach Sean Everitt having a full year in charge under his belt.

The South African-born New Zealander said: “We had a good reflection at the end of last season and at the start of this season and we know we've been underachieving.

“So that frustration is there and everyone wants to win. I think we've got a clear vision now of the way we kind of want to play and how we want to go forward this season.

“I think in the past we were kind of in-between so now everyone's on the same page. Everyone's all-in on our game plan and how we want to play. Sean’s now had a full preseason to implement his game style. Scott [Mathie] has come in with really good ideas on attack and it's flying. It looks very good in training.

"I guess the aim is you always want to win. We want to make that top four and we want to challenge the best.”

Goosen recently penned a one-year extension and says he now feels settled both at the club and in the city.

He added: “I really enjoy being here. It's an amazing group of people. The quality of player if you look across the board is second to none. So I'm really looking forward to this season.

“I actually like it a lot here. It reminds me a lot of New. Zealand. So, it's nice and we're settled, a lot of friends and family come and visit and it just really feels at home.”

Goosen missed the end of last season after breaking his foot but is eager to get back involved in Edinburgh’s only pre-season game at home to Gloucester on Friday night.

He added: “It's fine now and I’m looking forward to starting the new season. Very keen to get into it. It made my summer a little bit difficult but I’m flying now.

“I think everyone's just keen to not take it out on each other anymore! It's been a tough pre-season. Boys have been fighting each other for spots. Everyone's just ready to go and everyone's competitive.”