Canning is learning all the time in Spain

The 25-year-old spent last season playing for Rugby Lions on a full-time contract where he developed his game under the tutelage of World Cup winner Neil Back and ex-England sevens captain Ben Gollings.

However, during the off-season he was approached by UE Santboiana, who play in the Spanish Division de Honor, the top league in Spain, and opted to make the switch.

Canning’s ambitions for Spain extend to much more than just a season in the sun, however.

“I want to prove myself as a player and work hard to make the first team and the number ten shirt my own.”

Canning, who took a crash course in Spanish before heading out, was thrown in at the deep end, playing for the first team in the final pre-season match against the Andorran national team just a few days after his arrival in Barcelona.

And last Saturday he took to the field for the first league game at Madrid-based CR Cisneros where he displayed great confidence with the boot and also caught the eye with ball in hand.

Santboiana won both games comfortably and Canning admits the chance to experience a different way of life was a major factor in his decision.

Training twice a day leaves little time for sightseeing, but the afternoon siesta provides welcome restbite from the heat, and time for Canning to soak up his surroundings.

“The facilities here are excellent with access to a dedicated gym for the players, pool, running track and the first-team pitch for kicking practice,” he said.

“I am hoping to learn the language and enjoy the experience of the different culture and fully integrating myself in the town and the local way of life.”

Canning’s next game is against Cajasol Sciences where he will play his first league game in front of a passionate Catalan home crowd.

But while the Spanish switch will help develop his game, it might prove a costly exercise for his proud dad Brian.

“I flew out to Madrid to see Adam’s first league game and will be flying out to Barcelona shortly for the next match,” said Canning snr, who lives in Lillington.

“I will try and get to every game if I can.”