Josh sailing in as a full-time Warrior (From Worcester News)

Josh sailing in as a full-time Warrior

4:00pm Saturday 21st July 2012 in News

JOSH Drauniniu is now officially a full-time rugby player – and the Worcester winger is itching to become a constant feature in the Warriors first XV.

Drauniniu’s final day in the Navy was last Friday and this week he has been enjoying a new life, focused solely on the oval ball.

Having been a bit-part player in Richard Hill’s side in 2011 — starting only twice due to the now-departed Miles Benjamin and Marcel Garvey — Drauniniu is hoping a consolidation of his working life can bring about a regular first-team berth.

With David Lemi and Nikki Walker both arriving at Sixways , he is well aware his reduced workload will not automatically correlate to first-team rugby.

However, he is desperate to ensure it does just that, starting by catching Hill’s eye in Thursday’s JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens Series at Kingsholm.

“Not having the navy there has made a big difference to me already as it means I have that one focus,” he said.

“The navy was obviously a massive part of my life and has made me who I am today, but to be able to concentrate solely on training and pre-season has been great.

“I am feeling fit and looking forward to trying to put on a good show at the sevens. “The coaching staff have not talked about who they are looking to start on the wing in the Premiership this season, but obviously I want to be trying to do that.

“David and Nikki coming in means that I won’t automatically get a wing berth regardless of Miles and Marcel leaving, but that is the aim.”

Drauniniu has an impressive sevens pedigree having pulled on the England jersey in recent years.

Worcester take on Bath, Exeter and Gloucester in Pool ‘C’ with the top two progressing to the final in Bath on Friday, August 3.

Drauniniu added: “The lads have been looking good in training and I am looking forward to getting out there and playing some sevens.

“We have a good blend of experience and youth in our team so, without putting any other team down, I think we have a good chance.”

To buy tickets for the JP Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby Sevens Series, visit jpmorgan7s.com or call 08448-472492.