Nick Schonert's drive to make Worcester Warriors' scrum a renowned weapon

The 25-year-old, who signed a new deal earlier this week, wants Warriors' set-piece to leave their mark as a collective unit.

Schonert returns from an elbow problem to take his place in Warriors’ front row for tomorrow’s home clash against Sale Sharks at Sixways (3pm).

“I don’t want it to be known that Niall Annett, Val Rapava Ruskin and me have a good scrum – I want it to be known that Worcester have a good scrum,” said Schonert.

“I want it to be a brand name – for people to say Worcester’s scrum has carried them throughout the season.

“JJ (James Johnston) has done an awesome job in the last few weeks and has scrummed really well and the work Mef (Mefin Davies) does is incredible.

“Technique is priceless and Mef has brought it to our game and I want Worcester to be known as a scrummaging side.”

He added: “Sale have had really good scrums and driving mauls and that’s been our focus and we have been working hard to put our game on the field.”

Schonert played 20 times for Warriors in the Premiership last season but missed the club’s annual pre-season photocall, which raised concerns among some fans.

“I was just having an off-site check with the physio and I couldn’t make it,” he explained.

“We had Sarries (Saracens) that weekend and the club told me to sort myself out and they could Photoshop my head into the pictures.”

Schonert suffered an elbow problem against Saracens at Twickenham earlier this month and missed matches against Gloucester and Bath.

“It’s a contact sport and you are always going to pick up something,” said Schonert.

“Rarely do you feel perfect.

“I know Hoggy (head coach Carl Hogg) wants me to do well and he told me to look after myself and get to the 100 or 90 per cent fit mark and then come back."

He added: “Hoggy said there was no need to rush back because we had the likes of JJ and Mikey Daniels doing well. It was more like me getting an MOT done and the wheels re-aligned.”