James Percival believes that every player has a point to prove to new Director of Rugby Dean Ryan during this year’s pre-season campaign.
The lock, who made his 50th Warriors appearance against Harlequins in April, returned to training last week and admitted he and his teammates are pulling out all the stops to impress the new boss.
He said: “The new coaches have come in and brought their own ideas and it’s what the club needed. We’ve put all our aces on the table and it’s up to the players now – we’ve all got a point to prove.
“The new coaches and players who have come in want this club to succeed. The coaches are demanding high standards from us. The accountability is on the players and that is what we need.”
The 29-year-old also thinks there is a fear factor in the squad which will help drive the players to improved performances on the pitch when the season begins in September.
He continued: “It’s exciting because you see everything going on but it’s scary as well. There’s a fear factor.
“And it’s good to have that fear because it shows just how much it means to everyone. We’re trying to find our limits now and push beyond those limits, which we haven’t done for a long time.
“The new coaches are looking at you so you’ve got to look at yourself every day in every session.”
Percival played more Aviva Premiership minutes than any other player in the league last season and enjoyed a well-earned break in Asia during the summer break.
“I took the missus to Thailand and Abu Dhabi. It was our belated honeymoon. We got married the season I signed here and didn’t get a chance to get a honeymoon so I thought I’d have it this summer.
“I actually bumped into Danny Care and Jordon Turner-Hall on a ferry on their way to Bali so it was good to catch up with them and it was a good break.
“I now feel refreshed and ready to work hard ahead of the new campaign.”
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“The new coaches have come in and brought their own ideas and it’s what the club needed. We’ve put all our aces on the table and it’s up to the players now – we’ve all got a point to prove."