Every fortnight we go behind the scenes to bring you closer to the Warriors players.
This week, we speak to powerhouse winger Josh Drauniniu, in his third season at the club.
The Fijian-born star talks Warriors, plumbing and his obsession with cleaning…
Age: 28
Warriors apps/pts: 45/105
Country: England
Favourite film: Count of Monte Cristo
Favourite food: Spaghetti bolognaise
Favourite band: UB40
You’re in your third season at Warriors now, how would you describe your Sixways career so far?
Amazing. The opportunity to play under Dean Ryan is a blessing. I love it here and hopefully it will continue for some time.
What do you love about Warriors?
I like the atmosphere on matchday. When we run across the pitch to warm up, the fans clap us in and that always lifts our spirits and on night games, the atmosphere is so good it’s hard to hear ourselves!
How do you feel you’ve improved under the new coaching regime?
I feel that I’ve improved in the decision-making area of the game. My ability to think quick, knowing exactly what I should do beforehand and also reading the defence – those are areas where I feel much more confident. Shane Howarth has come in and really developed the backs and you can see it, especially with Chris Pennell. You look at how much he has come on from two years ago and he has rocketed. Carl Hogg is also superb with his rucking drills.
What was your take on the last weekend's match against Leicester Tigers?
It was one of the best performances we’ve produced all season and we were so unlucky not to get the win. We deserved it. We talked about emotion and everyone showed that last Friday. Sam Betty hit 42 rucks and Chris Pennell is in his own league. He should be with England right now. The forwards fronted up in the scrum and in the lineout too. It was great to be able to suffocate such a team like Leicester at home and we want to make Sixways a fortress.
How can we beat Northampton Saints?
They have a fantastic side and we need to challenge them up front with collision and work-rate. If we do, I think we should give them a test and we’re certainly looking forward to it.
Do you have any personal targets?
My main aim is to play on the wing every weekend. With talented wingers coming up like Dean Hammond, James Stephenson and Josh Watkins, you can’t think that the shirt is yours. You have to be on your toes because if you make mistakes, the next person will come in and have a chance to prove themselves. It’s good competition.
What do you get up to when you’re not playing rugby?
I’m doing a plumbing course so I’m getting my head down over the next few months to get that done. I also like to go on random drives to places I haven’t been before. I like driving around farm and rural areas and admire the tranquillity and scenery. I lived in London for a while and it was too busy for me. I love it here because it is peaceful!
Do you ever go back to Fiji?
I try and go every other year. It’s nice to relax on the beach there or take my family for a picnic but it’s so hot.
Are you still into your cleaning?
Yes. I’ll clean the house and everything but if I don’t have anything to do, I’ll just make more mess so I have to clean everything up again!
What’s your fondest moment in rugby?
It was when I was playing for The Navy when we beat The Army in 2010. We hadn’t beaten them for 11 years before that. To win that game was one of the best feelings ever. I literally cried. I was so emotional. Every year I was so annoyed because we weren’t winning and kept getting thrashed but that year we believed we could do it and we took it to them with a late try.
What’s the most memorable game you’ve played for Warriors?
One of the most memorable performances for me was against Northampton Saints away last season. I was on the bench with Jonny Arr, Josh Matavesi and Ollie Hayes. We were getting thrashed 37-3 with 20 minutes left but all four of us came on and scored a try each and we got a bonus point. It was such a great game and it finished 37-31!