ANDREW Kitchener is ready to shelve the revision books and put “all the eggs in one basket” to win a place in Worcester Warriors’ second row.

The 6ft 7in lock will be a full-time member of Warriors’ senior squad next season after being promoted from the club’s academy.

His first-team contract has been a long time coming having been in Worcester’s youth system since 2014 and he made his debut in October 2016.

But rugby has not been the only thing on his mind over the past four years as he looked to further his education.

In between hours spent in the gym and on the training ground to gear up for matches Kitchener was swatting up in preparation for exams.

And all the 22-year-old’s efforts are set to be rewarded when he graduates from the University of Birmingham with a degree in economics this summer.

“It has been challenging,” said Kitchener on balancing revision and rugby.

“I have managed to do my last two years part-time and spread it out over two years instead of one which has really helped to ease the burden and perhaps try to get that balance a bit better.

“It has been difficult but I think it’s good to have a focus away from rugby and test yourself in a different area.”

Director of rugby Alan Solomons is a big admirer of Kitchener’s talents as the promising forward put a two-and-a-half month spell out through injury behind him to feature in the final five Gallagher Premiership fixtures.

But he will face competition from Anton Bresler, Michael Fatialofa, Justin Clegg and his brother Graham who is returning to the club from Leicester Tigers.

“It will be nice to make the step-up next season,” Andrew Kitchener said.

“I am finishing uni this year as well so I will be able to put all the eggs in one basket which will be slightly different but a nice change.

“I will be looking to compete again for places.

“There will a lot of tough competition next season in the second rows and in the pack in general.

“But hopefully I can get a few games under my belt and push on.”

Kitchener, who has 33 first-team appearances to his name with 15 of those coming last season, admitted he would also be looking to pile on the pounds this summer.

“I will be using the off-season to try to get in good shape and build on what I did last season,” Kitchener said.

“The aim is to improve every season. If I can get the processes right then I can be in contention for selection for a few more games.

“I will be able to focus on that during the summer and put a few more kilograms on.

“It is a really physical league so you have got to be physically strong to compete week in week out so I think that will probably help.”