EXPERIENCED lock James Percival is remaining tight-lipped over his future after struggling to make the impact he would have liked in Worcester Warriors’ first team this term.

The 31-year-old, who captained Warriors for much of the 2012-13 campaign, could be leaving Sixways in the summer after a frustrating season.

He made 20 appearances during Dean Ryan’s first season in charge but has appeared just six times for Warriors in the Championship so far.

“I am just focusing on what’s happening at Worcester until the play-offs and then what happens next year happens next year,” admitted the giant second row.

“I will get the play-offs out of the way and then I will see what’s happening.”

Percival, who hails from Kidderminster, is in his second playing stint at Sixways after rejoining the club from Harlequins in the summer of 2011.

The former Worcester Sixth Form College and University of Worcester student has also played for Northampton Saints.

“It has been frustrating – I have played a lot of games, probably most games every week, for the previous three seasons,” said Percival.

“Not to be involved every week can be frustrating but there are boys who are coming through.

“I have to work hard behind the scenes to improve my game and take my opportunities when they come along.

“Everyone has their ups and downs and it’s my time to have a down to come back up again.

“I can see that things have evolved by me not playing in the team – that’s evolution in itself.

“Things are changing and other people are having opportunities.

“Mike Williams is playing well, Jonathan Thomas is having a go in the second row and Darren O’Shea is taking his opportunities.

“There’s also Dan Sanderson, while Christian Scotland-Williamson has been injured.

“Darren is more of a line-out operator and Mikey is at the front. I have been through my career and monitored people in my position and watched them play.

“I know my strengths and what I can offer and I think I can offer things that other people can’t.

“If I try to change to be someone else, what is the point in being me?

“I know what I am as a player and what I can offer.

“I have to stand by that and try to make a difference in games with the things I can offer.

“You have to take the good times with the bad and be ready when the good times come around.”

Percival started his career in Warriors’ academy and gained international recognition with England under 21s in his first spell at the club.

“I grew up 15 minutes down the road from Worcester and I was at Old Halesonians and the big golden egg when I was younger was to beat Worcester,” recalled Percival.

“When I was 15 or 16 years old and I was asked to join Worcester, it was a dream come true.

“Worcester are my club and that’s part of the reason I came back here for a second spell.

“Whether I am playing or not, I still care what happens to the club.”

One of his proudest moments was captaining Warriors for the much of the 2012-2013 season.

“Being captain has been one of my proudest moments,” he said.

“It was a tough time but I thought I did myself justice in the manner I expressed myself on and off the pitch.

“My dad still watches every game I play, home or away, and has helped me to get where I am today.”

Percival had a late call-up into the starting line-up for Worcester’s Championship match at Bedford Blues last month and played 72 minutes in their 32-17 comeback win.

“It was good to play and I really enjoyed it,” he said.

“Dean Ryan said to me after the game that I had put in a good performance, which was nice to hear. Dean knows what I can offer.”