DEPARTING centre Andy Symons says Worcester Warriors will be “whole-heartedly concentrating” on defeating defending Aviva Premiership champions Saracens on Saturday (3.30pm).

It will be a Sixways farewell for Symons who is joining Championship side London Irish in the summer.

“We want to finish the season on a high,” said Symons, who scored a try in Worcester’s 31-17 defeat at Leicester Tigers last Saturday.

“We are whole-heartedly concentrating on getting a win and this is another big week for us.

“The support at Sixways has been outstanding all season.

“We owe a lot to the home fans so we want to put on a good performance against a top-four side and an outstanding team like Sarries is massive for us and we are very excited about it.”

There will also be an emotional farewell for fellow centre Alex Grove, who has decided to leave Warriors after 10 years and 152 first-team appearances.

“Alex has done an incredible service for the club so I am sure he will be equally as eager as me to get a run-out,” said Symons.

“I think our farewell will be the match itself and we will get a chance to show our appreciation to the crowd.

“I am sure there will be a little something perhaps with the team afterwards and I will definitely try to say my thank-you to everyone.”

Symons, 24, celebrated his 50th Premiership appearance for Warriors against Leicester at Welford Road and was pleased with the visitors’ overall display.

“I want to finish on a high and I am very grateful for the opportunity to play for Worcester," he said.

"To have played 50 times is a massive honour for me.

“We had opportunities against Leicester but we need to be more clinical.

"The intent and eagerness were there but, with a bit more maturity, we could have finished those off those chances.”

Symons, who was born in Harlow and has previously played for the Saracens academy, is looking forward to moving back to the London area and linking up with his brother Matt at Irish.

“I will always have a huge tie to Worcester and I owe a huge amount to the club so I will be keeping an eye on Worcester and seeing how they progress,” said Symons.

“Worcester are in great hands and are bringing in a lot of good players so they are definitely on the up.

“But I am excited about the next chapter in my life, too.

"It’s something I am ready for both personally and professionally and I am looking forward to it.”