Josh Drauniniu is now officially a full-time rugby player – and the Worcester winger is itching to become a constant feature in the Warriors first XV.
Drauniniu’s last day in the Navy arrived last Friday and this week he has been enjoying a new life, focused solely on the oval ball.
Having been a bit-part player in Richard Hill’s side in 2011 – starting just twice due to the pre-eminence of Miles Benjamin and Marcel Garvey – Drauniniu is hoping a consolidation of his working life can bring about a regular first-team berth.
With David Lemi and Nikki Walker both arriving at Sixways he’s well aware his reduced workload won’t automatically correlate to first-team rugby.
However he’s desperate to ensure it does just that – starting by catching Hill’s eye in Thursday’s J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series.
“Not having the Navy there has made a big difference to me already as it means you have that one focus,” he said.
“The Navy was obviously a massive part of my life and has made me who I am today but to be able to concentrate solely on training and pre-season has been great.
“I am feeling fit and looking forward to trying to put on a good show at the 7s this weekend. “The coaching staff have not talked about who they are looking to start on the wing in the Premiership this season but obviously I want to be trying to do that.
“David Lemi and Nikki Walker coming in means that I won’t automatically get a wing berth regardless of Miles and Marcel leaving. But that is obviously the aim.”
Drauniniu has an impressive 7s pedigree having pulled on the England jersey in recent years but admits his last action in the shorter form – at the Newquay 7s two years ago – feels like a distant memory.
However he’s confident he – and the likes of his picks to shine this Thursday Ben Howard and Jake Abbott – will soon hit their straps at Kingsholm.
Worcester will take on Bath, Exeter and Gloucester in Pool C with the top two progressing to the final in Bath on August 3 and Drauniniu added: “The lads have been looking good in training and I am looking forward to getting out there and playing some 7s.
“It’s been a little while but I am sure I will be ok and Ben and Jake will definitely be some of the players to watch for us.
“We have got a good blend of experience and youth in our team so, without putting any other team down, I think we have got a good chance.”
To buy tickets for the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Premiership Rugby 7s Series visit: www.jpmorgan7s.com or call 08448 472 492.
“The Navy was obviously a massive part of my life and has made me who I am today but to be able to concentrate solely on training and pre-season has been great…"