New signing Ben Jones has revealed he is determined to make the grade at Worcester Warriors after being reunited with former coach Clive Griffiths at Sixways Stadium.
Scrum half Jones has joined Warriors on a one-year contract and will compete with Matt Powell, Ryan Powell and Jonny Arr for a starting spot next season.
The 25-year-old is now eager to achieve in the big time after a former spell at Northampton Saints and believes he can flourish with the attacking rugby being played at Warriors.
“When I was at Northampton I wasn’t quite ready for the top-flight but going to National One and playing games with Doncaster has really helped me game and now I’m determined to show I am good enough to play at this level,” he said.
“It’s great to get the chance to work with Clive (Griffiths) again and Mike Ruddock. It’s important as a player to know you have a coach behind you who believes in you. I know that Clive will give me my chance.
“I have seen a bit of Warriors this season and have spoken to Clive about the club and the vision here. They want to play exciting and expansive rugby and that is what my game is all about.
“I will have world class players around me in Chris Latham, Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou and that will only take my game forward.
“I have been to Sixways before. When I was an England schoolboy I played at the club and was impressed by the Indoor Training Centre and the set-up. I came back and it has got even better – and more is going on. The club will soon have one of the best set-ups in the country and to be part of that success story will be amazing.”
Head coach Griffiths was delighted to have snapped up his former player and tipped him to make a big impact at Warriors.
“I signed Ben from Northampton when I was at Doncaster when I recognised his potential,” he said. “He has a very good all-round game and he will help raise the tempo of our game and really be a threat at set pieces. Ben is also very good defensively, he is a real powerhouse and gets low down to stop big runners.
“He will have to adapt to this division but he paid me back tenfold at Doncaster where he was named Players’ Player of the Year in 2006/07.
“Ben needed a run of games and he needed to play in National Division One because his appearances were limited at Northampton. But I am sure he will become an asset to Warriors and we look forward to working with him again next season.”