PLYMOUTH Albion prop Martin Rice believes the 2009-10 season will be a pivotal one as far as his professional rugby career is concerned.

The 27-year-old, who has re-signed for the club for next term, has suffered serious injury in each of the last three campaigns.

In early 2007, Rice had to undergo an operation to repair a prolapsed disc in his neck.

Then, having just returned to action, he tore both his posterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his knee against Doncaster in October 2007.

And last November, playing against Bedford, Rice damaged medial ligaments in his other knee.

That led to Rice, who has been at Albion since February 2005, missing four months of the season – although he still managed to make 17 starts and two replacement appearances.

"It really is a make or break season for me because of the injuries I have suffered in the past," said Rice.

"If I get another serious injury next season then it could ruin me.

"It could be the end of me playing for Plymouth and it could be the end of my career.

"I have got this injury-prone label hanging around my neck and if I was to suffer another injury, then there would not be many – if any – teams willing to take a gamble on me and that could include Plymouth.

"So I have got to enjoy an injury free season and I have got to play well for the team.

"I am aware now that I am one of the more experienced players in the squad and it is up to me to have a big season."

Rice said his decision to return to Plymouth for 2009-10 had been an easy one to make.

The 27-year-old is one of the most highly-rated props playing outside the Premiership and he has, in the past, been linked with a move to the top tier of English rugby.

However, Albion's fans will be delighted that Rice has confirmed his commitment to the club for at least one more season.

The prop, providing he stays injury free, is expected to play a key role for Albion as they embark on their first season in the newly-formed Championship.

"It was a straightforward decision in coming back to Plymouth because I love playing my rugby there," said Rice.

"I heard rumours that other clubs were interested in me – although I didn't actually hear of any confirmed interest.

"However, even if other clubs wanted me, I was always intending on coming back to Plymouth.

"Now I have re-signed with the club, I am really looking forward to next season.

"The Championship should be exciting and interesting with the new play-offs format.

"Any team finishing in the top eight can get promoted and that gives teams a lot more to play for.

"If we can get into the top eight, then we have got the same chance as the seven other teams of getting promoted.

"It is going to be a very tough season – much tougher than last season.

"We have just got to try and win our home matches and pick up as many away points as we can."