WORCESTER Warriors' new signing Duhan van der Merwe insists being a British and Irish Lion does not garuantee his place in the team.

The 26-year-old winger made his long-awaited debut for Worcester in last weekend's 42-5 defeat at Exeter Chiefs.

The Scottish powerhouse has been on an extended summer break from rugby following his exploits in South Africa and only returned to training for his new club two weeks ago.

He knows it will take time to get back into the swing of things but insists he will be doing what he can to crash over the try-line as frequently as possible.

But he also knows that he has competition for places, even as an international Lion.

"I didn't come in here thinking I was better than any academy winger or anyone else," he said.

"I am not a guy that speaks a lot; I am here willing to help and we are all equal for me.

"It (playing for the Lions) gives you confidence but it doesn't make me think I am better than anyone else."

Van der Merwe was given 50 minutes to get some much-needed minutes into his legs at Sandy Park before being pulled off.

He accepts it will take time to get back to full fitness.

"For me, it's a new system and I have to get used to that. The Premiership is a new challenge for me and there are no easy games but I am looking forward to that.

"I don't know when I will be back to full strength but i will be giving my all week in, week out for the team."

Most Warriors supporters will get their first look at their new man at Sixways this weekend when league leaders Leicester Tigers arrive in town for their Gallagher Premiership clash.

"I am really looking forward to that," he said.

"They are four from four so they will be really tough to play against and they have a powerful set of forwards, as well as some good backs.

"But I am buzzing to play in front of our home crowd at the weekend."

He could well come up against a familiar face on Saturday in fellow winger Nemani Nadolo, whom he played with at Montpellier in the Top 14 in France.

"I wouldn't want to run into him I don't think, he's a lot bigger than me!" he added.

"He is a good player and a big guy with a lot of skill. I am looking forward to that should we come up against each other."