EXPLOSIVE winger Dean Hammond has thanked head coach Carl Hogg for giving him the chance to ‘express’ himself, after having already tripled the amount of gametime he played last season.
The 24-year-old South African has started the first three of Warriors’ four Aviva Premiership games this campaign, surpassing the one appearance he made as a sub last season under former Director of Rugby Dean Ryan.
The winger didn’t feature in Worcester’s 34-34 draw with Sale Sharks on Saturday due to a hamstring injury he picked up when scoring his maiden Premiership try against Bath the week prior.
Hammond, who joined the club’s academy from South Africa’s Western Province in September 2013, also insisted he wanted to use the opportunity Hogg has given him to put down a marker.
“I take a lot of confidence out of the fact the coach is backing me to play in these important games for the club. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the challenges, especially the Twickenham game,” said the Springbok.
“Being a youngster, you strive to play at big venues against top sides. It’s been a great experience, despite having to do a lot of defencive work. My body certainly feels it after the games, but I feel like I’ve expressed myself on the pitch.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to pull on the Warriors jersey and I just hope I can continue to play well and put down a marker.
“I want to score and play as much as I can, especially in Premiership rugby. I know there’s thick competition in the way, so the main target for me is to consistently play at my best for my teammates.”