Experienced fly half Andy Goode is ready for the big battle for the No.10 shirt at Sixways – after what he describes as one of the most gruelling pre-seasons of his glittering career.
Former England man Goode admits the competition for the fly half jersey will be fierce this season as Joe Carlisle and Danny Gray also look to stake a claim.
But Goode insists his hunger for the game is as strong as ever as he plans to stake his claim over the pre-season games before the big kick-off with Bath Rugby on September 1.
He said: “Getting the No.10 shirt will be tough this season. Joe (Carlisle) is a good mate of mine and very talented. We chopped and changed last season, but if you get the shirt this season you have got to perform to stay in it.
“I want it as much as ever, any player who says he is happy sat on the bench is lying. I have told Hilly I want to start every game, but I know there will be times when I play, when Joe plays and when Danny Gray plays.
“My job is to train as hard as I can, perform to the best of my ability and try and lead the club in attack and use my experience to make sure we are moving up the league table.”
The Warriors are now into the seventh week of pre-season preparations and for many the first sign of competitive action – when Worcester head to the Welsh capital to tackle Cardiff Blues – is still weeks away.
However, Goode believes the benefits of the pre-season will be felt throughout the campaign.
“It’s been tough and it’s the longest pre-season that I have ever done. Stu Pickering, who heads up our conditioning team, has done a great job and it is very well planned,” he added.
“It has been a tough block of training, but it’s vital we put the work in now. If I am being honest, this time of year is my least favourite part of being a professional rugby player. But it has to be done and I am enjoying train hard.
“The motto for pre-season has been ‘train hard and reap the benefits’ and I have been doing that. Picks (Pickering) is pretty pleased with the way things have gone for me and everyone.
“I feel tired every day but we are over training at the moment and doing way more than your body is used to. The knock on effect is when you pull back you get bigger benefits.
“While it is tough, you feel good when you drive home because you have done a tough day… it’s on the sofa when you can’t move! But it’s a necessity, it is tough and long but we are training hard.”
“My job is to train as hard as I can, perform to the best of my ability and try and lead the club in attack and use my experience to make sure we are moving up the league table…"