THE competition for places next season will drive Worcester Warriors’ squad on to the next level, according to wing wizard Cooper Vuna.

And the former Australian international believes the new artificial playing surface at Sixways will benefit Worcester’s expansive playing style.

Warriors finished 10th on their return to the Aviva Premiership and are likely to be joined in the top tier by old rivals Bristol.

Powerful centre Ben Te’o is arriving from Irish outfit Leinster and has been picked to tour Australia with Eddie Jones’ England.

New Zealand centre Jackson Willison is also joining Worcester.

“I know Benny from growing up in New Zealand and I have spoken to a few boys who have played with Jackson at the Chiefs and at Auckland,” said Vuna, who scored nine Premiership tries last season.

“It will be interesting to see what positions people go into next season.

“Millsy (Ryan Mills) is a threat in our backline and so too is Ollie (Wynand Olivier) who has a lot of experience.”

Vuna added: “With the new pitch and the new players coming in, our game will be lifted to another level.

“We are an expansive team who love to move the ball around.

“It’s going to be a lot faster, and similar to Southern Hemisphere rugby because the pitch won’t be boggy. It’s going to be exciting.”