Warriors full-back Ben Howard admits he is fully-focused on promotion from the Greene King IPA Championship.
Ahead of this weekend’s trip to Plymouth Albion, Warriors are sitting in second place in the league with Howard’s form and consistency a huge part of it.
Injury to England full-back Chris Pennell has given Howard the chance to make his mark on the campaign and he has been keen to impress.
Howard was part of England’s 2013 IRB Junior World Championships winning side alongside the likes of Jack Nowell and Anthony Watson.
And the chance to compete with Pennell for a starting berth at Warriors has left him in no doubt that he is at the perfect club to make his dream of following Nowell and Watson into the senior Red Rose set up come true.
He said: “If you look at the lads I played with at under-20 level then the likes of Nowell and Watson have gone on to that level.
“In the long run I think everyone has to have aspirations of playing international rugby and I’m no different.
“So you see that and there’s a bit of jealousy because you want to be there but I know I’ve got a lot of learning to do.
“I’m committed to Worcester and I think it’s a place where I can continue to grow as a player. Obviously with Chris Pennell here in my position it’s going to be hard but having someone of that standard drives me.
“For me it’s nice to have a run of games this season because I didn’t really have that last year. I’m playing with a lot more confidence now and feeling a lot better in my game.”
With Worcester looking to secure the Greene King IPA Championship title this season Howard believes his team have got off to a fantastic start.
And he insists there will be no complacency this weekend when they take on bottom side Plymouth.
He added: “There are a lot of games to come and we aren’t far off the top so we aren’t worried about the table.
“Results haven’t gone Plymouth’s way this season but we know it’s going to be a really tough match.
“They are a good side and will pose a big threat to us if we aren’t on our game.
“There is pressure here for places so if people aren’t at their best then it will cost them. I think everyone knows that and it will keep our levels high in all the matches.”