SCRUM-HALF Jonny Arr believes his knee is in better shape than ever and is hungry to get back ‘all guns blazing’ in the number nine jersey.
The Worcester-born player, who missed the second half of Warriors’ 2015/16 campaign due to a knee injury, admits returning to action since undergoing a knee operation has been a ‘shock to the system’, but insists he feels 100 per cent.
Head coach Carl Hogg picked the centurion to start at scrum-half against Saracens and Gloucester due to Francois Hougaard being away with the Springboks for their two Rugby Championship Tests against Australia and New Zealand this month.
“These first few games have been tough, but I’ve felt good out on the field. I think it’s going to take a bit of time before I’m back to all guns blazing, but that’s just the nature of being out for so long,” said the 27-year-old.
“I felt 100 per cent entering the season and my body feels great. My knee is as strong as it has ever been and that’s credit to the brilliant staff at Sixways.
“My first pre-season game against Jersey was a shock to the system, but since then I’ve been on an upward curve. As soon as that first whistle goes you just switch back into the mode of where you left off before.
“I may not be playing at the top of my game, but I’m not rusty. Given a few more chances I’ll certainly be playing some good rugby.”
Arr also wants to prove to Hogg he can keep his place as Warriors’ first choice scrum-half, but is under no illusion Hougaard will be vying for the number nine jersey upon return from international duties.
“Francois has gone away and done terrifically well with South Africa, so he’s leading the way at the moment,” he added.
“It’s down to myself and Luke Baldwin to get out there and play as much as we can whilst he’s away. We need to show we’re more than capable of doing a good job out on the pitch.
“We’re under no illusions Francois will return at some point and be in a really strong position to play at scrum-half but, after returning from a long-term injury, I’m out to prove myself even more so than before.”