Warriors new signing Shaun Ruwers admits he is already counting down the days to the big kick-off and the chance to work under Mike Ruddock.
Ruwers was announced as new Director of Rugby’s first signing at Sixways this week after completing a switch from Waterloo.
The big South African prop is determined to now prove his undoubted potential with Warriors and make the step up to the Guinness Premiership.
And he believes the chance to work under the guidance of former Wales boss Ruddock will be crucial to him making a big impact at the club.
“I’m looking forward to playing with some quality players around me and hopefully that will up my game and show my real potential,” Ruwers told www.wrfc.co.uk
“Mike Ruddock is really down to earth guy and I simply can’t wait to start working with him.
“I’m still very young and learning the game but I know he can point me in the right direction and give me lots of tips to help me out and develop. If he does that I’m sure I will be an asset to the club.
“I actually watched some of the Saracens game on the final day and it was pretty breathless stuff.
“We also had a game that day but all the boys were watching the TV when they could because so much was up for grabs. The atmosphere that day looked amazing and I can’t wait to sample that for myself. I just need to get a bit of fitness going and get really fired up for the season.”
Ruwers was born in Durban and had previous spells with Natal Sharks and Atlantic Pumas before making the move to England.
He was soon snapped up by Waterloo and has quickly carved out a big reputation as a powerhouse prop.
And he admits the chance to make the move up to the top-flight was a dream come true.
“When I moved to this country I was unsure about rugby and what I could achieve. But the Waterloo coach got hold of me and told me I had real potential,” he added.
“It was a good learning experience for me. I moved there when we were still in National Two, winning promotion to National One was a great season for me.
“This year I came back to Waterloo with big ambitions, unfortunately it wasn’t such a great year for them. But for me personally it has been good and I have really come to people’s attentions.
“I have always wanted to play rugby, my dad was a rugby player so it has always been around me.
“South Africa has a massive rugby tradition so every youngster wants to have a crack at the big time and play for their country – I was no different. Now I have that at Warriors.”