LOOSEHEAD prop Ryan Bower insists he is ready to fill the shoes of Gloucester-bound Val Rapava Ruskin after signing a two-year extension with Warriors.
The Nuneaton-born player, who joined the Sixways side from Leicester Tigers in 2014, has taken to the field 52 times for Worcester, helping them to lift the British and Irish Cup and gain promotion to the Aviva Premiership.
The 26-year-old forward, who made his maiden Premiership start in Warriors’ impressive win over Saracens in February, admits it was tough to only feature four times from the bench last season, but insists he was always ready to take his opportunity.
“I was very happy to put pen to paper with a club I believe is going in the right direction,” said Bower.
“Having spent three years at Warriors, I’ve become very fond of everyone here and also the city. It’s a club I really care about, so hopefully I can contribute in pushing us forward.
“It’s a very strong squad and (director of rugby) Gary Gold has added that little bit extra. He’s changed a few things and now were reaping the rewards. We’ve really hit our stride with beating Saracens, getting a bonus point against Exeter and smashing Bristol.
“Playing league leaders Wasps was a big test, but the boys really stood up and put in a great effort to come away with two points, especially with 14-men.
“Over the past season I’ve had to bide my time and have been training hard knowing my opportunity would come. With the injuries we’ve had this campaign, I finally got that opportunity and took it. You always need to be ready, regardless of if you’re in the starting 15 each week or not.
“It’s always tough when the team is announced and you’re name isn’t amongst the 15, but that’s the nature of the game. If someone tells you you’re third-choice you don’t listen to them. When you get that opportunity to start, you give it all you’ve got.
“I’m always wanting to improve and I’d like to think I’ve got a lot more to offer. I’ll keep working hard and when Val Rapava Ruskin leaves the club at the end of the season, one of us will have to fill his shoes. Ryan Grant is a British Lion and a very good player, so it’ll be a good battle for the jersey.”