Jonny Wilkinson says he is relishing a run of games without injury ahead as his Toulon side begin their Amlin Challenge Cup campaign tomorrow night.
England's World Cup winning fly-half has been dogged by fitness problems since 2003 and has played only bit-part roles for club and country.
But a change of scenery seems to have brought a change in fortune for the 30year-old, who swapped Newcastle for France this summer.
And although the double Lions tourist has been left out of the matchday squad for the trip to Castres, he could well be involved against Saracens in Toulon's second-round match next Thursday.
"It is years since I have had any continuity in my rugby, but since my season has started here in Toulon I have finally been able to put together a run of games," said Wilkinson who has become an immediate fans' favourite at his new club.
"We have played nine league matches; I have started seven of them, been rested for one and come off the bench in the other.
"Since the 2003 World Cup, I think the best run I'd had was six in 2004," he added in his regular column in the Times newspaper.
"I did five at the World Cup in France in 2007; that counted as a good stretch.
"Not for a minute would I tempt fate by suggesting that the injury days are behind me - I still approach every game and training session as if it might be my last - but after such a long period of shut-out, the door is now open and I am ever keener to make the most of every opportunity."
And the next opportunity for Wilkinson comes against when Sarries travel to Toulon next week.
With fate seemingly back on his side, the Amlin Challenge Cup could have a new start this season.
