Willi Heinz has his eyes set on a new prize as he starts a career in the English club scene.

Crusaders halfback Willi Heinz has voiced his desire to wear an English rugby jersey.

Heinz has linked with his new Gloucester club in Britain and resumed training after breaking his leg in January, an injury that ruined his final season of Super Rugby.

Heinz qualifies for English selection through his grandmother and says that will be a motivation for this next stage of his career.

"I still feel like I'm young enough to offer something at the top level. I didn't manage to get quite there in New Zealand," Heinz told the Gloucester Citizen.

"But I can't get ahead of myself I have to get fit and play good rugby for Gloucester first and if further honours come then I'm keen."

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Heinz believes the injury may have been a blessing in prolonging his career.

"It's been a long road, I broke my leg back in January and there's another month to go before I'm out on the field but there's light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"It's been a frustrating year but having this carrot of a new team and challenge gave me something to work towards.

"The timing has been pretty good, the World Cup is on which means the Premiership has been delayed and that works in my favour and I'll be ready for the start of the season.

"While having a broken leg is a disadvantage, it's given my body time to recover. I've had six months off which I wouldn't usually have and providing I get the leg right my body will come back in better nick than ever before."

Heinz likes the feel of the Gloucester set-up and believes he can contribute, saying having rubbed shoulders with greats like Dan Carter, Richie McCaw and Kieran Read means he has picked up plenty of experience.