AFTER a year in the Championship licking their wounds, Warriors’ Andy Short insists Worcester will be back with a bang on their return to the big time.

Despite their failure to progress through to the finals of the J P Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens Series, the England Under 20s flyer is confident Worcester can follow in Exeter’s footsteps and avoid getting embroiled in a relegation battle.

Short, who played a starring role in the Under 20s Grand Slam campaign, has his sights set on adding to his eight appearances for the Warriors last term.

“It’s great to be back in the Premiership. No disrespect to the Championship but the Premiership is where Worcester belong and it’s where we want to be,” said the 20-year-old wing or centre. It’s our first year back and we want to make a statement and not just be in a relegation battle.

“The 20s was a great experience and a brilliant set-up for me but my main focus is with the Warriors and just pushing myself into the starting line-up.

“I don’t mind which games I play, I just want to get some rugby in me. My preferred position is still outside centre but I can play on the wing without any problems.

“We have a strong backline at Worcester so whether an opportunity comes up at wing or centre I’d be willing to put my case forward.”

Short revealed that Richard Hill has an ambitious target for the Warriors — to make them the fittest team in the league.

After a demanding pre-season, Short insists Worcester will be ready when they kick off against Sale at Sixways in September.

“The team as a whole have been working a lot on fitness. We wanted to be the fittest team in the Premiership,” added Short.

“The last 20 minutes of games is where a lot of points are scored so if we can get that base fitness it will stand us in good stead.

“We went to Sale thinking we had a chance and we wanted to put a statement down. But sometimes it is hard with a young team and not so much experience.”

Tickets for every round of the J P Mor-gan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series are available through Ticketmaster ticketmaster.co.uk or by calling 0844-847-2492.