COACHES will undoubtedly come and go at Sixways over the next few years, but Ignacio Mieres hopes Worcester Warriors can retain the services of kicking maestro Paul Grayson.
The former England fly half has been running a weekly training session at Warriors, which Mieres believes has helped to transform his game.
The Argentinian was among Warriors’ kickers to struggle last season as he failed on numerous occasion to knock over valuable points for his relegation-threatened side.
This led director of rugby Dean Ryan to call upon Grayson and Mieres admitted the 2003 Rugby World Cup winner’s arrival has made a huge impact at the club.
“I didn’t have a great percentage with my kicking last season, so Paul Grayson has been really helpful,” he said. “He has just made small changes which have made a big difference.
“I had a kicking coach at Exeter who helped me, but I think Paul is on another level. He is world class as his knowledge is unreal.
“He knows exactly what works well for each kicker as everyone’s style is different and he knows exactly what each of them needs and how to improve that. He is just getting the best our of everyone really.
Mieres’ difference has been clear to see as he currently tops the club’s scoring charts having amassed 80 points in nine games. And the former Exeter Chiefs stand off also believes this has been down to the change in environment at the club.
“There have been a lot of changes – not just in players, but everyone’s mentality,” he said. “One of the objectives is to enjoy it as it was something we didn’t do much last season.
“I think this has reflected in our rugby as we are playing better. Winning also makes you enjoy things a lot more.
“I am definitely happier with the way I am playing as I am playing with a bit more freedom and now I am kicking well it has given me a lot of confidence with my overall game.”