Flying wing Nikki Walker has spoken of his excitement over his future move to Worcester Warriors – and believes he is joining a Sixways club that is firmly ‘on the up’.
Warriors have today (Wednesday) confirmed that Scotland international wing Walker will make the move to from Ospreys to Warriors for the 2012/13 season onwards.
The 29-year-old has already seen his new surroundings and Worcester in action after being present at the recent snow-hit LV= Cup pool game between Warriors and Ospreys.
And the Aberdeen-born star revealed the aspirations of Head Coach Richard Hill and club's plans for the future were pivotal in his decision to leave the Swansea-based giants for Warriors from next season.
“It’s an exciting new challenge for me. I’m looking forward to playing in England and Warriors are clearly a club that are on the up,” said Walker.
“The results in recent months have shown the huge potential and ambition at the club to get even better and it is a club I’m very keen to join. I spoke to Richard Hill and he is clearly very passionate and enthusiastic about the future of the Warriors.
“I have spent the last ten seasons playing in what is now the RaboDirect PRO12 and feel it is time for a change. The Aviva Premiership is an intense league and hugely physical and competitive where I feel I can use my strengths.
“It was always going to be a big and tough decision to leave the Ospreys,” he added.
“I have enjoyed six years at the club and had a great time there. They have been extremely supportive, have helped me aspire to international rugby and have been great with me over my recent injury.
“However, I’m a firm believer in moving at the right time and this is the right time for me to have a new challenge. I will experience something new and that can help take my game to new levels.”
Walker also revealed he was also close to a return from the knee injury that saw him cruelly ruled out of the last Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.
He added: “The knee is good, I’ve been working hard in the gym and I’m not far off being fit. I will be back pretty soon and can’t wait to play again.
“Rest assured, I will be fully focussed and ready for Warriors on day one of pre-season. With a good pre-season behind I will be eager to start the season strongly for my new club.”
“The results in recent months have shown the huge potential and ambition at the club to get even better and it is a club I’m very keen to join. I spoke to Richard Hill and he is clearly very passionate and enthusiastic about the future of the Warriors…"