New scrum half signing Shaun Perry has vowed to repay the faith of Richard Hill after his move to Worcester Warriors – and revealed how he hopes to help bring out the best in the talented number nines at Sixways.
Perry will link back up with mentor Richard Hill when he moves to Worcester Warriors admitting he owes the Sixways Head Coach a huge debt for the career he has enjoyed for club and country.
The former England back was a welder before he was given his big chance at professional rugby when he was snapped up by Hill and taken from Coventry to Bristol.
The hugely competitive number nine went on become a firm favourite at the Memorial Stadium and win international honours before moving overseas to join Brive.
Perry said: “It’s fantastic to link back up with Hilly. I get on really well with him and I played under him for Bristol for many seasons.
“I owe a huge amount to him for what I have achieved. It all started when he picked me up playing for Coventry against Bristol. He was always very good a spotting young talent in the lower leagues, even if I wasn’t that young, and bringing them on.
“He gave me a chance at Bristol and took me under his wing. I spent a lot of time with him and learnt a great deal, about how to deal with everything both on and off the field.
“It’s great to be able to work with him again but I know I will have to prove to him that I am good enough for a starting spot. There are some very good scrum halves at the club and I will need to push my claims just like everyone else.”
Perry has also revealed how keen he is to work with young scrum half talents in Jonny Arr and Ollie Frost to pass on his knowledge of the game.
“I look at guys like Jonny Arr and Ollie Frost and know they are lucky to have someone like Hilly as a coach,” added Perry.
“As a young talent coming up you could not ask for more guidance and advice. He was always there to help me and I really plan to repay him now we are working together again.
“I’m looking forward to teaming up with Jonny, Ollie and the other young scrum halves. I have heard a lot about them and the route they have made into the team via the Academy.
“I want to help them out and pass on as much as I can, if my experience can be a boost to them I would be delighted to do what I can with a fresh set of eyes.”