Young: Wary of London Welsh, who have started well

The Exiles tackle Young's team at Adams Park on Sunday after collecting 10 points from their first six league games and announcing themselves as credible top-flight material.

Most pundits had predicted a season-long struggle for Welsh, but victories over Exeter and Sale Sharks mocked that theory.

"London Welsh have surprised a lot of people in the last few months, but they haven't surprised me at all," Young said.

"I always felt with someone like (head coach) Lyn Jones there that they would be very competitive.

"He is the kind of coach that thrives on leading a team with an underdog status, and he knows how to get the best out of players in that situation.

"We know that if we play to our potential we are a hard team to beat at home, but we need to do that, otherwise we will be punished."

London Welsh skipper Jonathan Mills, meanwhile, has warned that the hard work is only just beginning for his squad.

"The honeymoon period is over for everyone," he said. "Now, we are really going to see just how good every side is in the Premiership.

"With the weather beginning to close in there are going to be a lot of dogfights, but we are up for those matches.

"If anything, it might suit us given the way we've played a few times this season and help us to get a few more wins, rather than just bonus points.

"We had eight points after four games in the Premiership, so to finish with 10 points from six was a bit disappointing. We definitely feel we could have got a win against Saracens or Gloucester.

"However, if you had offered me 10 points after six games at the start of the season, I would have bitten your hand off."