Annett’s delight at his ‘best’ move to Sixways - The Worcester Observer

Annett’s delight at his ‘best’ move to Sixways

Worcester Editorial 7th May, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

NIALL Annett knows he has been very fortunate in his young career.

At Ulster, the Irishman spent a number of years working under British & Irish Lions hooker Rory Best.

Annett probably thought he could not have topped that as a promising hooker, but after making the move to Worcester Warriors, he has found himself battling for the number two jersey with Argentina captain Agustin Creevy.

Annett, who turns 24 on Friday, said he has tried to make the most of every minute with Best and Creevy, who he believes are ‘two of the best hookers in the world’.




“Besty was a massive person for me at Ulster and Gus has been no different here,” Annett said.

“Gus’ quality speaks for itself and I am just in a fortunate position where I can constantly quiz him and he has probably improved my game by a couple of per cent.


“They are both fantastic scurmmagers which is the main similarity. Besty’s strength is maybe more in the breakdown, so choke tackling whereas Gus is more of a ball carrier and offloader with the ability to jackle as well.

“But there is definitely stuff which I hope to have snatched from both of them to become a better player.”

Annett said it would be sad to see Creevy go at the end of the season, but the Ulsterman knows it has opened up the chance for him to stamp his authority on the position.

His appearance in Warriors’ 27-22 victory over London Scottish was his 14th start of the season and Annett, who has captained Ireland U20s, said he was keen to keep pushing on.

“I think this is the best move I have made in my life,” he added. “It is clearly somewhere which is growing and to top that all off I have played a lot of rugby which was the whole point of the move.

“I have probably played more rugby this year since I left school, so that has been a massive bonus for me.

“Dean has given me the opportunity here and hopefully I can keep backing up performances to prove to him that I am willing to keep improving.”

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