ETHAN Waller admitted he was not prepared to be “second best” behind his brother any longer as he bids to make the number one shirt his own at Worcester Warriors.

After spending many years in Alex Waller’s shadow at Northampton Saints, the 25-year-old prop was desperate to put himself in the full glare of the spotlight.

The academy product made almost 100 outings for Saints since his debut in 2012.

But his elder sibling was denying him a regular starting spot as he racked up more than twice as many appearances.

And Ethan felt his own career “stalling” as a consequence of Alex’s consistency.

The pair ended their rivalry for the loose-head spot this summer with Ethan agreeing to move to Worcester.

But they find themselves locking horns when Warriors take on Saints in the Aviva Premiership at Sixways today (1pm).

“There aren’t many people who get the opportunity to play or have the same job in a professional sport as their brother,” Ethan said. “I was extremely privileged to do that.

“But I think we both knew and our family knew at some point we would probably have to part ways if we were both going to achieve what we wanted to in our careers.

“There is only so long you can sit second best.

“I had been at Northampton including the year on trial for the best part of the seven years.

“For me a new challenge was something I needed more than anything else. I grew up there and I came up through that system.

“I felt like I had hit a bit of a stalling point so for me it was time for a new challenge and when this opportunity came it was one I grabbed with both hands.”

After an injury-hit pre-season, Ethan has started to establish himself in Warriors’ side, making nine showings.

He bagged a try in their 30-20 win over Brive in the European Challenge Cup last month.

The front rower said he aimed to add something extra for Warriors with ball in hand.

“Not playing in the pre-season games wasn’t the best start but I hope now I can put a string of good performances together,” he said.

“I feel like I am already starting to get on that upward curve and that’s what has got me so excited.

“There is a real chance for me to improve on my weaknesses here and hopefully become a much better player.

“I am a guy that likes to get my hands on the ball in the loose and be able to pass and move.

“As well as all the scrummaging I would like to think I can add a bit more around the pitch away from the set-piece stuff.”