SOME “real competition” is starting to take shape in Worcester Warriors’ second row, according to head coach Carl Hogg.

Christian Scotland-Williamson has returned to rugby after a long spell on the sidelines and fellow lock Darren Barry is undergoing rehabilitation work after a shoulder operation.

Lock Will Spencer has arrived from Bath and joins experienced former Ireland and Munster star Donncha O’Callaghan and Fijian international Tevita Cavubati in the engine room.

New hooker Matt Williams is expected to provide competition for Niall Annett and Jaba Bregvadze who vied for the starting jersey for much of last season.

Hogg said: “Darren is back in and in a rehab programme but he is starting to pick up some of his physical work now and some of his running.

“He’s fit and healthy and when you look at him with Christian Scotland-Williamson and Will Spencer you can see we are starting to get some real competition in there.

“If they stay fit and healthy that would be a real bonus for us.”

Barry missed Warriors’ final Aviva Premiership match against champions Saracens with an ankle problem.

The 6ft 6in former Cornish Pirates second row was a revelation for Warriors last term despite missing several weeks of the campaign with a nerve problem in his arm and shoulder.

Scotland-Williamson, 23, has resumed training after being given the all-clear to return to rugby after a long-term pelvic injury.

The former Loughborough Students second-row has not featured for Warriors’ first team since playing 53 minutes against Moseley in the Championship in September 2014.

Meanwhile, former Warriors back row forward Adam Balding has joined Gloucester as their new head of community.