Players flocking to join Warriors (From Worcester News)

Players flocking to join Warriors

4:50pm Saturday 19th June 2010 in Warriors

RICHARD Hill has revealed that his phone has been ringing off the hook with players desperate to be part of his Worcester Warriors revolution.

Following the acquisition of former Ospreys hooker Edd Shervington, the new Sixways head coach is looking to finalise his squad with just one more signing — a utility-back.

However, he revealed that, since taking over from Mike Ruddock, he has been inundated with players interested in joining his ranks.

The former Bristol chief said: “My phone has been red hot with players wanting to come to the club — they can see Worcester has got massive potential and can be a strong force in English rugby.

“Over my 16 years of coaching, I’ve got to know a lot of players and, therefore, there are a lot of them who would be delighted to have the opportunity to come here and it’s a shame we’ve had to turn down so many.

“That’s a good sign for me, though, that so many people want to come to Worcester.”

Hill is also intending to bring a new style of play to Worcester, who were all-too-often one dimensional last season and frequently looked short of ideas.

He explained: “I’ve got a lot to do when I start with the rugby because we may well change the style of play — I shan’t be starting just yet as I’ll leave them in the hands of the strength and conditioning coaches while I work out the game plan that will suit the players we have.

“I need to get to know the players and work with them a bit more before deciding exactly how we’re going to play.”

He added: “For the first couple of weeks, it’s about getting an understanding of what’s gone on, what’s worked and what hasn’t — getting people’s views on what they would like changing.

“It’s been a massive information-gathering week-and-a-half for me — a facinating insight into life at Worcester Rugby Club.

“In the next week or so I need to sit down and work out exactly what I need to do and how to change things to hopefully improve the structure, play and a whole manner of different things.

“I’ve not made any comments to anyone in particular — I’ve just been listening — and now it’s time to work out what’s best for Worcester in a whole host of areas.

“It is a very good squad and we’re delighted most of the players have stayed here. That’s very important — there is a huge amount that is very good with this club.”