Esher director of rugby Mike Schmid wants his squad to follow flying winger Paul Olima’s lead in their National Division One promotion bid this season.

The 28-year-old Irishman scored his second try in three starts this term as Esher crushed Macclesfield 53-15 at Molesey Road on Saturday to keep pace in touch with the league’s pacesetters.

Olima only returned to rugby at the start of last season having tried to make a name for himself in non-League football after starting out as a youngster at West Ham United.

He scored a hat-trick against Hull Ionians in April having made his first team debut in January – and, after impressing in the club’s sevens squad over the summer, he has hit the ground running.

“The thing with Paul is he is so competitive. He just wants to score tries and improve,” he said.

“He is the last person to come off the training pitch and always asks for feedback because he wants to work on things that will improve him as a player.

“Last season was a steep learning curve for him, but he has learned how to defend in space over the summer and his communication has improved too.

“He is the sort of guy you love to have because he commits himself to the team and is prepared to work hard for the win.

“He was lucky to get his chance, but he has taken his opportunity and is prepared to do everything to keep the shirt.”

Esher host Fylde tomorrow.