FIJIAN flyer Josh Drauniniu says he cannot afford to let Worcester Warriors’ new arrivals get even a sniff of a starting jersey ahead of next season.
The wing’s try against Gloucester capped off a solid campaign, which has seen him play an integral role in Dean Ryan’s side.
But with Tom Biggs signing from Bath and Sam Smith making the switch from Harlequins, Drauniniu admitted he will face a battle on his hands to keep his place in the side.
The 28-year-old said he will also face stiff competition from James Stephenson, Dean Hammond and academy ace Josh Watkins to be a part of what he believes will be one of the most exciting back-lines seen at Sixways in years.
“If you want to keep your place in the side you will have to keep improving week in week out,” he said. “If you do your job then that’s what Dean (Ryan) looks for, but if you don’t then the other person will come in.
“Once you get hold of the jersey you will have to grab hold of it with both hands and don’t let it go, which is what (David) Lemi has done this year.
“There is going to be massive competition next season. There will be six wingers fighting for just two jerseys, so whoever gets it the pressure will be on him to perform and improve.
“But our back-line is going to ridiculous whatever and probably the best back-line we have had here for years, with Ryan Mills coming in as well and Chris Pennell playing so well.”
Drauniniu picked out potent wing Biggs, who has scored 32 tries in 127 Premiership appearances, as a strong addition to the squad next season, but he admitted it would still be difficult to replace Bristol-bound David Lemi.
“I was in the Gulf with the Navy when I saw Dai score that try against Bath so he was one of my heroes when I started professional rugby and he is one person who I look up to when I am here,” Drauniniu added.
“It is a sad, but that’s rugby. It’s a massive loss and he will leave massive shoes to fill, but there are people here who will step up and if they do they will have to play really well.”