CHRIS CUSITER has revealed his determination to produce the best form of his illustrious career for Glasgow this term.

Cus jetted out to the South of France with the Warriors squad earlier in the week for their four-day training camp which will culminate with a friendly against French Top 14 cracks Castres on Friday night.

Unlike last summer the Scotland scrum-half is injury-free and has had his appetite for the new campaign whetted by playing a key part in the victorious Scotland tour of Australasia earlier in the summer.

The 30-year-old knows that the arrival of Fijian international scrum-half Nikola Matawalu and the emergence of Henry Pyrgos as a real threat for his No.9 shirt means that only his best will do when the new campaign kicks off at Ulster on Friday, August 31, at Ravenhill.

Cus said: "I feel in great shape and the contrast between this summer and last summer could not be greater.

"A year ago I was off in Australia scratching around for game time to try and get match fit for the Rugby World Cup and everything seemed a problem.

"This time around I have played a part in the most successful Scotland tour ever Down Under and that has been a huge boost for every one of the boys who took part in it.

"Like the rest of the Scotland lads who were involved in the tour of Australasia, I had a break after that and this is only my second week back with Glasgow.

"But I feel refreshed and hungry for the new season ahead. To be honest I can't remember ever experiencing a buzz around the squad like there has been this summer.

"When you look at the new coaching team with Gregor Townsend coming in and then some of the signings we have made over the summer like Angus Macdonald, then it all adds up to a whole lot of positivity.

"To be over in France on this training camp will only serve to sharpen everything up a level and help gel the squad and cement the new boys in place."

Cus has been particularly impressed with the signing of Fijian No.9 Matawalu who will join up with Warriors next week.

He said: "Obviously Nikola played against Scotland in our tour and he was exceptionally impressive.

"He is lightning quick off the scrum and has a snappy delivery.

"He is a young guy who is only going to get better and with Henry Pyrgos improving all the time the competition for the No.9 shirt at Glasgow will be at its most intense in my three seasons here.

"But that means I will have to be at my best and I am confident that by the time we open up against Ulster in just over three weeks I will be in peak condition."

Although Warriors Scotland contingent will not play any part in Friday night's meeting with Castres, in Lacaune, Cus admits that those that do will use the opportunity to try and stake an early claim for a starting jersey.

He said: "There is no doubt about it that the boys who feature against Castres will be out to impress.

"I think from 1-15 every jersey is up for grabs this time around."