New signing Neil Best has vowed to hit his top form to help Worcester Warriors move up the Guinness Premiership table when he embarks on his new challenge at Sixways Stadium next season.
Warriors have confirmed the capture of the Ireland international back row forward from Northampton Saints on a two-year deal, with an exclusive option of a third year, that will see him move to Sixways Stadium for the 2010/11 season.
No nonsense flanker Best admits he is already excited about the task ahead as he moves across the Midlands in the summer.
And the tough tackling and uncompromising flanker is already not mixing his words when he speaks about his ambition for the club.
“I’m very excited to have signed for Warriors. It’s going to be a new challenge for me and a big move for me as I join another English club,” said Best.
“In terms of the city, Worcester now has a real rugby feel to it, very much like Northampton, and the club is held in high esteem by the people who really want it to do well. I’m keen to make my mark and bring some success for such good supporters.
“The development of the club is clear to everyone. From the coaching staff to the supporters, even the stadium development and infrastructure, is right. Every aspect is set up right.
“I went to meet Mike Ruddock, I knew about him as a coach and his ethos, and his passion and ambition for success can only rub off on you. Everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet and keen for success and that makes you want to play for the club.
“I’m also really pleased to be staying in the Guinness Premiership. It’s a relentless and demanding league, by its very nature you have to be at your best in such a tight league. Every game at home is crucial and you want to be picking up points away. It’s a great league and I want us to be doing well in it.”
Belfast born Best, who previously made over 100 appearances for Ulster, has made 18 appearances for his country and made his mark on the world stage when he was named man-of-the-match in Ireland’s win over Australia at Lansdowne Road in November 2006.
His performance that day was famously described as being like that of a man ‘deranged’ with Keith Wood saying at half time, “Best looks, well, he looks slightly mad really”.
Best also played for Ireland A in the 2008 Churchill Cup and admits a call-up by Ireland always remains in his thoughts. But his priority will be Warriors and making sure Ruddock’s men make a move up the league table.
“Like everybody who has played international rugby, if someone phoned me up from Ireland and asked me to play I would be there in a shot,” said Best.
“My priority, though, is getting my game right for Worcester at club level. You need club success if you want to do well internationally, it is that simple.
“I will leave Northampton at the end of the season with fond memories. I have lots of friends at the club and got on well with the coaching staff. I’m a professional will do absolutely everything to make sure the club is successful as we can be this season.
“After that I have a new challenge at Worcester and I’m looking forward to it and getting started.”