All-action second row Dean Schofield has revealed his decision to switch the south of France for Sixways this summer is a ‘no-brainer’ – and how he is relishing the prospect of returning to the English top-flight with Worcester Warriors.
Former England man Schofield will make the move from RC Toulon for the 2012/13 season after admitting he was immediately sold on the vision for the future at Worcester by straight talking coaching duo Richard Hill and Phil Davies.
Schofield has spent the last two seasons enjoying his rugby at star-studded RC Toulon in the Top 14, playing with international stars from around the world such as Jonny Wilkinson, Matt Giteau and Bakkies Botha.
However, the 33-year-old, who last weekend shone against Harlequins in the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-final victory, is now looking ahead to his return to England where he previous played and carved out a fearsome reputation at Sale Sharks.
Schofield said: “I’m looking forward to the move to Warriors. I spent nine years in the Aviva Premiership with Sale Sharks and I always hoped to be able to come back again.
“It has been good to experience life and rugby in France, it really intrigued me, but it’s good to be coming back to the English top-flight. I feel I am coming back to where I belong.
“It’s been a really good time for me at Toulon and to play in the Top 14. I have met good people over the two years and worked with some good coaches. I take a lot from this, both on and off the field.
“I have been lucky enough to play with some quality players at Toulon and I have certainly learnt a few things, I think the experience has been hugely beneficial to me.
“It was quite interesting to play against Harlequins last weekend in Europe and the English players again,” he added.
“I spoke to a few guys after the game, the people who play in my position, and they told me about how exciting the Aviva Premiership was this season, how quick the games have been and what a great brand of rugby it is.”
Schofield also revealed how the coaching team of Hill and Davies had quickly persuaded him that Sixways was the right destination for him.
“Worcester were the first club I spoke to about a move back to England – and after speaking to Richard and Phil my mind was made up,” he revealed.
“I’m a loyal guy and after I chatted with them I told them I was coming. Decision made, I was sticking with them.
“They spoke very well and told me about the vision for the club, what they wanted over the next few years and what would be happening.
“What they said, and how they said it, spoke volumes to me. It struck a chord and they were straight down the line with me, which is how I want people to be. Coming to Warriors was a no brainer after that.
“Everyone knows the facilities at Sixways are outstanding and what is also crucial is the support,” he added. “Worcester have a great following, I have seen those fans first hand, and a cracking stadium. Any player would want to be part of that.
“I played with Chris Jones for a number of years so he will be one face I know well. We used to live together but I’m not sure he will be so happy if I turn up with a suitcase on his doorstep. I might ask if he fancies a housemate for a while,” he joked.
“It will be good, though, to catch up with him. He is quality player who I got to know very well during our time at Sale.”
Schofield, who is also due to become a father in the coming months, admits plans are now underway to make the move back to the UK.
But for now the second row will continue to play his rugby as he has throughout his career – by not taking a step back.
“I want a big finish with Toulon now, there is no respite for me,” he declared. “We have the semi-final of the Amlin Challenge Cup coming up against Stade Francais and also some big games in the Top 14. I have some goals I still want to achieve before I leave France.
“When that is done, then I’m then looking forward to moving back to England and getting stuck in with Warriors.
“I will take a deserved break for a few weeks at the end of the season and then I’ll be at Sixways and ready to rip.”
“I have been lucky enough to play with some quality players at Toulon and I have certainly learnt a few things, I think the experience has been hugely beneficial to me…"