WORCESTER Warriors are trying to keep wing sensation Cooper Vuna at Sixways beyond the end of the season.

The hard-running Vuna has scored once in three appearances for Warriors and been an instant hit with the supporters.

Head coach Carl Hogg revealed Warriors were in discussions with the twice-capped Australian international about extending his stay in Worcester.

Vuna arrived from Japanese outfit Toshiba Brave Lupus last month.

Asked whether 27-year-old Vuna would be at Warriors next season, Hogg said: “That’s something that’s under discussion and we’re hopeful of. Cooper’s been a great acquisition for us and a great asset.

“He brings a point of difference to our back line and he’s got pace and power.

“He’s been fantastic over the short-term and hopefully, that will be over the longer-term as well.”

Warriors have already snapped up Kiwi Sevens star Bryce Heem, from Super Rugby outfit Chiefs, for next season to add to their back line.

Hogg said: “We have got some real power and pace and have got some X-factor.

“It’s a challenge for Sam Smith and Tom Biggs to raise the bar and it’s great to have people of Bryce’s quality coming into the group.”

Second-placed Warriors return to Greene King IPA action with the long trip to Cornish Pirates on Saturday (3pm).

It is Worcester’s first visit to the Mennaye Field since they won 21-12 in the first leg of the Championship play-off final in 2011.

Wing Biggs, who has recovered from a bout of concussion, scored a hat-trick to help Worcester overpower the Pirates 62-26 at Sixways earlier in this campaign.

Hooker Dan George will not be available after damaging a knee during Worcester’s frustrating 39-26 home win against Yorkshire Carnegie.

“Dan has had a scan and we’re hoping to get him back for some stage of the play-offs,” said Hogg.

“I think hooker is a position where we have healthy competition — Dan, Niall Annett and Gus Creevy have vied for the position all season.”

Warriors are likely to get a glimpse of Pirates’ lock Darren Barry, who will be joining the club in the summer.

“From my experience, when players sign for new clubs you almost get a spike in their performance and I wouldn’t be surprised if Darren plays really well at the weekend,” said Hogg.