WARRIORS hooker Niall Annett is relishing the chance to fight for the number 2 jersey with Jaba Bregvadze for the remainder of the season.
With the Georgian international recently returning from injury, Annett, who signed a new contract with the club in January, believes competition for places is healthy and is encouraging him to up his game.
The Irishman, who has started all ten games for Warriors this year and recently bagged at try in the win against Gloucester, also insists the club is going in the right direction and will continue to challenge their Premiership opponents.
“I’ve played a lot of rugby this season and I’ve really enjoyed it. Jaba coming back into the team a couple of weeks ago has given me the encouragement to fight again and that’s what this club is built on, providing competition for places,” said the 24-year-old.
“I’ve got to scrap for the jersey with Jaba now and for me that’s fantastic.
“I think it’s been a mixed season so far. We’re going through a bit of a change after the last few results and I think we’ve learned a lot of lessons from previous matches just getting away from us.
“I firmly believe this club is heading in the right direction, so hopefully we can keep climbing up the table with the games we have left and also in the years to come.
“It was a relatively easy conversation with Dean Ryan when I signed a new contract earlier this year. I really like it here and the main thing is I’m enjoying my rugby. It was a straightforward decision and I was delighted to get it wrapped up and put to bed,” he added.
Ryan recently lavished praise on Annett and the young forward pack, calling their performance brave in the win against Gloucester.
“The man has huge knowledge of the game and a big reputation in rugby, so when you receive praise from him of course it feels good, but the important thing for myself and the forwards is to keep backing it up in our performances.
“We want to come off the pitch every week knowing he’s going to praise us.”