Johnston: Francois and Te'o will be leading examples - The Worcester Observer

Johnston: Francois and Te'o will be leading examples

Worcester Editorial 17th Aug, 2016 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

WARRIORS’ high performance director Nick Johnston believes the influence of the club’s international players will help the squad continue their progression in the Aviva Premiership.

Johnston praised the international pedigree of scrum-half Francois Hougaard, who has been recalled by South Africa for the 2016 Rugby Championship, and centre Ben Te’o and said their presence in the camp would make the younger players hungry to improve.

“We always want to encourage our players to play international rugby. It’s good for us and it’s good for them,” said Johnston.

“When international players are at the club, standards go up and the environment improves. It also has a positive impact on other players’ aspirations and desire to get better.




“It’s great to have Ben here. He arrived before he was scheduled to and made a point of coming to meet the rest of the team on his week off, which shows how good his attitude is.

“He joined up with the squad in Tignes and will be playing as soon as he’s ready,” he added.


Johnston also said he is proud Warriors are now developing players of an international standard, after academy youngsters Huw Taylor, Andrew Kitchener and Jack Singleton won the World Rugby Under 20 Championship with England under 20s this summer.

“We had 17 academy players called up to the various England age groups from under 16s to 20s last season,” he added.

“Any of our players could represent their country in the future, so we programme them to carry out the behaviours expected of an international athlete.

“We’ve got many more players coming through and we expect some of those to play at the top level. When they pull on the shirt of their country it’s great for the club, fans and whole community,” he added.

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