POWERFUL centre Ben Te’o will be “hugely influential” at Worcester Warriors but is still “finding his feet”, insists head coach Carl Hogg.

The strong-running New Zealand-born back marked his home debut with a well-taken first-half try in Warriors’ 23-23 Aviva Premiership draw against Gloucester.

But the rugby league convert lasted only 40 minutes with concussion after taking a blow to the head.

Te’o played the full 80 in Warriors’ opener against European champions Saracens and made a first-half break as the London club eased to a 35-3 win.

Hogg said: “We have had limited opportunity with ball in hand but you can see what he can bring to the game when we get more ball.

“He can physically operate at this level and the more we get into the rhythm of a game and get our game on the field, the more influential Ben will become. He will be hugely influential.”

The inside centre shone at Leinster as a tough tackler and a powerful runner in the Irish outfit’s midfield.

Te’o is qualified to play for England through his mother and was a surprise inclusion in the nation’s summer tour to Australia, which saw the Red Rose triumph 3-0.

England head coach Eddie Jones was at Sixways to watch Warriors’ M5 derby against Gloucester.

Hogg said: “Ben’s an international-quality player but there will be a bedding down period for him as well with the new systems and finding his feet.

“But there’s no doubt he’s a great athlete and a great asset to this club. Ben is well travelled as a player.

“He’s been to NRL (in Australia) and to Leinster, who operate different systems and cultures, and it’s about embracing that and learning what we do.”

The 29-year-old is part of England’s elite squad and is expected to be included for the Red Rose’s autumn international programme.

England have four Tests at Twickenham against South Africa (November 12), Fiji (November 19), Argentina (November 26) and Australia (December 3).

If selected, Te'o could come up against Warriors team-mates Francois Hougaard and Tevita Cavubati, who will hope to represent South Africa and Fiji respectively.

The autumn internationals also coincide with Warriors’ league fixtures against Northampton Saints (home), Exeter Chiefs (away) and Wasps (home).

But Hogg said Warriors had to accept players could miss matches due to call-ups, adding the club wanted to fulfil people’s aspirations to play international rugby.

“We want to put the club first and the players are hugely committed to where we want to go,” said Hogg.

“But we want to create an environment where we produce international players.

“We have the quality, environment and set-up for players to reach their aspirations of playing international rugby and if that’s Ben, Chris Pennell or Jack Singleton at a lower level, than that’s what this club is all about.

“Every young player will be ambitious to play for their country and hopefully we can help fulfil that aspiration.”