PLYMOUTH Albion back-row forward Wayne Sprangle believes he has returned from England Counties' tour to Japan and South Korea a more confident player.

Sprangle, who started one match and came on as a replacement in two, helped England return from their travels with three victories.

Having scored two tries and enjoyed playing in an England side where he 'saw plenty of ball in-hand', the 26-year-old feels he has become a more assured player.

"I managed to get a lot of game-time," said Sprangle, who made 27 appearances, including 13 starts, for Albion last season.

"I was a bit disappointed to not start the final game because I feel I had done enough to be named in the team.

"But when I came on I made an impression – I helped set up a crucial try – and I would like to think I did well.

"It was a great tour because it gave me the opportunity to play a different style of rugby with a lot of players I hadn't played with before.

"England played a loose game – we ran the ball a lot – and it was great to have the ball in hand so much.

"Playing that way has given me more confidence, especially when I have got the ball in hand.

"The whole experience was great because you can't fail to learn something from touring."

Sprangle, who has just returned to pre-season training, added: "I was at Plymouth on Wednesday for my first training session and it was great to meet some of the new guys and catch up with some old friends.

"I had a chance to speak to (conditioning coach) James Owen because I haven't really had a rest from last season yet.

"James told me to not do too much running and to rest my legs because I want to start the new season in perfect condition.

"I don't want to do too much too soon. I want to get it right and make sure that when the season starts, I am raring to go."

Sprangle joined Albion last summer from Launceston and was a key player during the 2008-09 campaign.

He was involved in all, bar four, of Plymouth's 31 league and cup matches, and scored four tries in the process.

Having put pen to paper on a new deal for next term, Sprangle is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the newly-formed Championship.

"It was an easy decision to come back to Plymouth," said Sprangle.

"I am a person who doesn't like to swap clubs – I like to show some loyalty.

"Before I joined Plymouth, I was at Launceston for five years.

"The reason I left them was because I had achieved everything I could. I had done it all with Launceston.

"There is still a lot to achieve at Plymouth and, if I had it my way, I would spend the rest of my career with Plymouth."

Sprangle added: "Our aim next season has to be to finish in the top eight and reach the play-offs.

"As a team, you have to have positive thinking and you always have to aim for the top.

"The Championship will be a tough league, with some good teams in it.

"But any team wants to succeed and we are no different.

"Personally, I think it will be exciting and I am looking forward to the challenge.

"The squad has seen a few changes this summer, but that is to be expected in any professional sport.

"It is a shame some of the guys from last season have moved on.

"But, equally, a lot of new players have come in and it is up to us, as a squad, to go out onto the pitch and perform."