GIANT winger Craig Hudson has revealed that he could have come to Worcester two years earlier than his summer Sixways arrival.

The 23-year-old New Zealander held talks with former coach Adrian Skeggs before deciding to move to France and La Rochelle.

The 6ft 6in powerhouse has since made a name for himself in Europe with Cardiff before he finally decided to make the Sixways switch.

"Before I went to La Rochelle I met with the Worcester coach Adrian Skeggs in New Zealand," he said.

"In the end I decided to move to France but coming to Worcester has always been in my mind. I've always wanted to play in England. My father was born in London so the family has already moved over.

"I'm delighted to be here now and I want to go as far as I can with Worcester in the English game. If the opportunity comes up for me to go home and try for higher honours then so be it but I'm more than happy to stay in England."

Hudson finds himself one of three top-class wingers at the club as Worcester countdown to the all-important National One season.

With last season's top scorer Chris Garrard already hoping to smash new records and speed king Nnandi Ezulike gearing up for a try fest, Hudson is well aware he will have to be on his game to get regular action.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge," he added. "We should go quite well with the squad we have on paper but it is a case of justifying the expectations at Worcester.

"There is great competition for places within the backs but that is something you relish.

"All three of us offer the team something different and I think the coaches have brought in players who will give them a number of options for individual games."