Popular hooker Chris Fortey admits he will look back on his career at Worcester Warriors with happiness – revealing the camaraderie and togetherness have been the key factors in his Sixways stay.
Fortey has clocked up 154 appearances during a seven-year stay at the Warriors which will come to an end in the coming weeks.
The 36-year-old is also one of the leading appearance makers in Aviva Premiership history with over 200 games for Warriors and former side Gloucester.
He said: “I would be lying if I said I hadn’t enjoyed myself, my time here has been up and down at times, but that is the nature of professional sport and if you can’t enjoy what you do then look elsewhere.
“There are times when selection and injury make it difficult, but to get an opportunity to play for the Warriors has been a great time for me. The fan base and support staff make this a special club.
“The nature of me is that I am a hard-working and honest person, over the years I have been here I have given everything I can and I’m a loyal servant wherever I go. I put my heart and soul into it.
“I have had seven enjoyable years and it is going to be sad that it is coming to an end. But realistically, we all get there one day and you move on.
“Every time you put the shirt on it is all about being proud and being honest with your performance, hopefully that is what I have done over my seven years here.”
Fortey admits his future plans remain unresolved. However, the friendships he has made at Warriors will certainly continue and he also revealed how much he has enjoyed his coaching and playing role at Stourbridge.
“You meet a lot of players and you meet a lot of people. I have got on well with them and outside of the game I will keep in touch with a lot of these guys,” he said.
“Even from squads from the past, I am still good friends with Adam Black and other players.
“I know it is a professional sport now, but for me the camaraderie and togetherness is a key part of being successful. The more a squad can build on that the more benefits it reaps for everyone.
“I have done some coaching at Stourbridge this year and although it has been a difficult season there it is something I have really enjoyed getting into,” he added.
“I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I have, it is totally different to playing. I can be an outspoken person at times and I find myself abusing referees and touch judges when I shouldn’t be!
“It’s an avenue that a lot of players go down, but it is something I am passionate about and hopefully I can follow that. I have nothing concrete at the moment but things will happen.”