THE last time Chris Garrard came up against Otley he came away with an incredible five tries as Worcester trounced the Yorkshiremen 71-14.

In fact, Otley must have been sick of seeing Garrard's beaming smile which has now become synonymous with crossing the goal line at Sixways such was their humiliation on an extraordinary day.

Not an average day in the life of the winger but then this is not your regular rugby player.

The Australian spent last season learning to play the piano and has now enrolled at college on an interior design course. So he doesn't quite fit the bill as a stereotypical player but, after 25 league tries last season in his debut year, nobody's complaining.

"Last year, in my spare time, I found I was just doing nothing and wasting a lot of my time. I went out and bought myself a piano and get lessons now. I've been doing that for about eight months now in my spare time. This year I've enrolled at college for an interior design course.

"It's on the back of my construction management degree, I've always been able to build something but I could never paint it! Piano and interior design doesn't sound very rugby orientated but that's what I'll be doing this year.

"Last season I was a bit blown away with the experience at Worcester and became a bit brain dead with all the free time. So I decided to do more with my time -- I like to challenge myself."

Garrard, however, will do well to beat his high five when he renews acquaintances with Otley on Saturday. The opposition brings back happy memories for him and, unsurprisingly, he's looking forward to the Cross Green trip.

"It was great fun that day at Sixways -- really enjoyable. It was one of those matches, though, where we were really hot and they were cold. They were going through the motions a little because it was near to the end of the season and they had nothing to play for. I was just lucky enough to be on the end of some very good team play.

"Looking back on our game up there last season, we struggled a little bit but came away with the win. I think any side at home is going to be tougher and they still feel, with it being early in the year, that they have a chance in the competition as they should do. It will be tough for us but I'm looking forward to it."

Worcester travel to Otley with a one hundred per cent league record after two wins from two matches. But the Warriors are just delighted to have Garrard on board after fears he could move following his 25-try season.

When Worcester missed out on promotion, coaches John Brain and Andy Keast were faced with the prospect of convincing players that their futures lay at Sixways rather than the bright lights of the Premiership. For Garrard, though, there would have always been a feeling of unfinished business if he had moved on.

"To be honest, there was Premiership interest but never any concrete offers. I always felt that there was a lot of potential here, I'd settled in very well and enjoy the club.

"I felt that I owed Worcester something rather than just jumping ship. I'd taken a lot last year and hadn't put a whole lot back so I wanted to stay on and pay them back because they showed faith in me when I came over to England.

"Now I'm looking to improve in different aspects of my play. I'm probably my own worst critic when it comes to my personal performances. Last season I said I wanted to average one try a league game and I did that.

"Twenty five was not a bad tally but this season I want to improve not just in tries but also my all-round game. I guess last season my attack was good but sometimes there were some question marks over my defending. That's something I want to improve on.

"The season's started OK for me but there is a lot to work on. Hopefully I can continue to improve at Otley and get on the scoresheet again. They are certainly a side who bring back happy memories for me."

I bet they can't wait to see him again.