Forwards Coach Phil Davies has praised the ‘infectious’ impact of hooker Chris Fortey this season – and believes the strength of the current crop of hookers at Sixways can only benefit the Warriors in the long term.
Fortey will start for Warriors when they face Banca Monte Crociati in Italy on Saturday evening (kick-off 8.30pm local time).
Davies has highlighted the fantastic attitude of Fortey as a real positive factor on the Worcester camp while also highlighting the progress of Aleki Lutui, Ed Shervington and Ollie Hayes.
“Chris Fortey, and Adam Black who has now left, were old fashioned good rugby players in my eyes,” said Davies.
“They are infectious and their attitude is great around the players. They are good with the young players and really good players for this club.
“Chris has done a very good job for us. Who knows what the future holds, but he is playing at the weekend and he will do very well and get stuck in. He rallies people around him and is a good asset.
“Ollie Hayes is also doing well, as is Aleki and Ed,” added Davies. “We are lucky to have such a good pool of hookers here who work hard and have different attributes. They all fit into the team.
“Ed is still a young fella and Ollie is coming back from a neck injury, which he has done exceptionally well to do so in such a short period of time.
“Ollie has all the attributes needed for a hooker, good ball carrying skills and he scrummages well. It’s just a case of nurturing him and keep people fit, fresh and playing.”