Former welder Shaun Perry is determined to spark at Worcester Warriors and has vowed to prove any of his doubters wrong as he starts a new chapter in his career at Sixways.
Scrum half Perry will leave Brive this summer and move back to the English game with Warriors as he teams up again with Head Coach Richard Hill.
The former England international, who played in the 2007 Rugby World Cup, has revealed his long-term admiration for the Warriors – dating back to his mini/junior days – and the way the club has been transformed over the last decade.
And he believes Sixways is now the perfect environment for him to thrive and show rugby followers that he can reproduce his very best form.
“I’m very excited with the move and it’s nice to get it all sealed so I can get planning and packing and look forward to coming back to England and a fresh start and challenge,” said Perry.
“Worcester is a club I’ve always admired and actually thought about playing for. When I was a youngster, playing for Dudley Kingswinford, we always came up against Worcester and I suppose the interest started back then. The set-up at Warriors is outstanding.
“I have got a number of people I want to prove wrong,” he added. “I have critics that I will show that I can still cut it and perform at the very highest level. I’m still hungry and have that desire to succeed at Sixways.
“Worcester is the best environment for me to thrive. I know I will be 33 but that doesn’t mean I’m any less motivated and I am desperate to show how keen and determined I am. My work rate is as high as it has ever been and I will bring a different aspect to the team.”
Perry is also thrilled to be back in the Midlands and close to his roots having been born and bred in Wolverhampton.
“It’s difficult to put into words just how exciting this challenge is for me,” he added. “This is the nearest professional outfit to where I was born so it does feel like I am coming back to where it started and getting a wonderful opportunity.
“I plan to get fully involved with every aspect of the club. I’m interested in coaching and so it would be great to get involved with the big mini/junior set-up and help off the pitch with the community work.
“It’s my local area and I’m sure there is lots of young talent out there who we want to be playing for Warriors.”