Boss Richard Hill expects ‘hungry’ full back Tom Arscott to prove his true value to the Warriors when he faces Nottingham on Saturday at Sixways – and believes the powerful runner can still play a big role in Worcester’s bid for glory in the league play-offs.
Arscott will be called up to full back following a rib injury sustained by captain Chris Pennell last Friday at Meadow Lane.
Hill admits the jet-heeled back, who has seven tries in 18 RFU Championship games this season, has been urging him to hand him a league call-up and now the Head Coach believes Arscott will show his true worth on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm).
“Tom’s attitude in training means he is stronger than he has ever been in his life and he has worked exceptionally hard with his strength and conditioning and his skills,” revealed Hill.
“He is hungry to come in and keeps asking ever week am I going to get a chance – this week he has it and I know he is ready to take it.
“We gave him 40 minutes against Leicester Tigers Development XV on Monday night just to give him some game time and he is now desperately keen to perform well. I have no doubt that he will play well.
“Tom is a very, very talented player and exceptionally quick. He still has some things to learn, but the raw talent is absolutely superb.
“I still think he could play a big part for us this season and I know he can play in the Premiership – I have seen him do that,” added Hill.
“He is a bit younger than his brother Luke who has settled into the Premiership again. He had one go with Bristol and is now having a second go with Exeter and is getting better. Every year you play in the Premiership you get better.
“Tom is a bit like Joe Carlisle, whilst they may be a bit raw there is such definite potential in both of them. You can’t discard them, they are both Premiership players who just need experience and to understand the game. At the right moment they will come through as a top quality player.
“Tom is a really good physical athlete and you talk to the strength and conditioners here and there are not many people who have his power – he has genuine power and at his best he can hand-off, accelerate quickly and score tries.
“He has a big future here. I won’t name names, but we have other players coming into the club this summer who are exceptionally good try scorers and we need that depth alongside players like Tom, Marcel and Miles.”
Watch Tom Arscott and Worcester Warriors in action this Saturday at Sixways as they tackle Nottingham Rugby. Call the Warriors Box Office for tickets on 01905 454183 or click HERE to buy online at warriors.co.uk