Talented youngster Nick Auterac says he has been inspired by the British & Irish Lions success of fellow Saracens prop Mako Vunipola as he looks to force his way into the Men in Black first team.

Vunipola came off the bench in the second half, along with Owen Farrell, as the Lions thrashed Australia 41-16 on Saturday to seal a dramatic 2-1 series win.

Sarries have high hopes for Auterac and the 20-year-old says witnessing Vunipola’s incredible rise first-hand has given him extra motivation to fulfil his own potential.

Auterac said: “It’s definitely inspired me - Mako has come a long, long way in a year.

“From basically starting in the Premiership, he got selected for England Saxons and then England seniors and then he made the Lions squad all in the space of a year.

“So it shows that it’s possible to go far if you’re a good player and you work hard.

“England are always ready to give people the opportunity if they’re doing well so people like Mako definitely inspire the other guys to push to hit those levels as well.”

Auterac joined the Men in Black full-time two years ago and has since made 15 appearances for the club, playing most of his games for Saracens Storm and in the less prioritised LV= Cup.

Having already represented England at Under-16 and Under-18 levels, Auterac is held in high esteem by Saracens coaching staff, who were impressed by the youngster’s outings last season.

The young forward admits however he wants to play as many games as possible and says he would be happy to go on loan to Championship side Bedford Blues, with whom Saracens have a good relationship.

“It would be nice to play some more in the Premiership obviously but at my age game time is critical," he said.

“It’s all about learning the ways of the scrum and the Championship is a very good standard so that would be okay too.

“Ideally I’d like more game time because last year the club gave me good opportunities every so often which I’m very thankful for but I’d like to play more.

“Whether that’s on loan at Bedford for making more appearances at Saracens – that’s what I’m looking forward to and where I want to be.”

Auterac understands it will be difficult to push ahead of those in front of him at Allianz Park but for now, he is happy to remain patient.

“Obviously in front of me I’ve got Mako who’s a Lion, I’ve got Rhys Gill who is a Welsh international so it’s not going to be easy to find a place in the team,” he said.

“It’s kind of what you expect at a young age. Coming in as a young prop, it’s not like other positions, it’s more about your physical presence so I’ve just got to keep working hard and make the most of any opportunities I’m given.”