WING Cooper Vuna is still inspired by Worcester Warriors’ thrilling Championship play-off triumph against Bristol at the end of May.

The 28-year-old Australia international says he’s keen to help Warriors secure their place in the top flight of the Aviva Premiership.

Auckland-born Vuna is a big fans’ favourite at Sixways and scored eight tries in nine appearances for Warriors after arriving at the club in March.

“The last 10 minutes of the final keep playing in my head and motivates me to help us move forward again and make sure we stay where we belong,” said Vuna.

“I felt like a part of it to get us back to the Premiership, where we should be.”

Warriors edged to a remarkable 59-58 aggregate victory against Bristol to seal their return to the top flight of English rugby after one season.

They open their Premiership campaign against Northampton Saints at Sixways on Friday, October 16 (7.45pm).

Vuna moved to Sixways from Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus. He previously spent three years with Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels and became the top try- scorer in the club’s history with 13 touchdowns.

He won two caps for Australia against Wales in the summer of 2012.

Vuna said: “Joining Worcester came down to opportunities.

For me, it’s not about playing for this club or that club. It’s about finding a club which matches my ambition and taking the op - portunity to be successful. A rugby career doesn’t last for ever.

“I’ve got a young family and I wanted to play for my family and make them happy.

The opportunity came to play at Warriors and my mind-set was I would do it for the club and for my family.”

He added: “When I first came to Sixways I didn’t know what to expect.

“I knew Dean Ryan and the boys had a goal and a plan for this club. I didn’t want to just sit back and watch it unfold, I wanted to be a part of it.”