SOUTH African prop Nick Schonert will be celebrating his 23rd birthday today — and he is determined to remember it.

The Worcester Warriors prop admits he doesn’t remember too much about the last occasion he played rugby on his birthday.

“I am actually a bit worried because the last time I played on my birthday I got knocked out,” Schonert recalled.

“I was playing against Western Province in the Currie Cup when I was knocked out so I am hoping that I can make it through this birthday without anything happening.

“It is more of a dread than anything else.”

Warriors face unbeaten Doncaster Knights at Castle Park this afternoon and Schonert has made a big impression for Dean Ryan’s side in their opening two games in the Greene King IPA Championship.

He joined Warriors from Super 15 side Cheetahs in the summer after representing KwaZulu-Natal as a youngster and playing for the Sharks at under 19 and under 21 levels.

Schonert joined GWK Griquas in 2012 and played in the Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup before joining Super 15 outfit Cheetahs at the beginning of last term.

He arrived at Sixways in June and was pleased to have a familiar face on the training ground.

“I played a lot in Durban with Mike Williams and I knew Dean Hammond was a good rugby player and those were the two guys I was aware of before I arrived at the club,” said Schonert.

He was also part of South Africa’s IRB Junior World Championship side in 2011.

“I played with the Baby Boks when I was under 20 and we played in Italy in 2011. Unfortunately we lost to England in the semi-finals and Ryan Mills was part of the England side that we lost to — so we have had a bit of a laugh about that.”

The South African says he is working hard on his own game and thinks it will take time for the squad to realise its potential.

“I just want to take it one game at a time and build the relationship with the players around me and build myself up to be a Premiership tighthead,” said Schonert.