CENTRE Jackson Willison believes his time playing in Super Rugby and the Top 14 will give Warriors more options in midfield.
The talented New Zealander, who recently joined the Warriors camp ahead of the 2016/17 Aviva Premiership campaign, insists he can kick, pass and run with the ball, making him a versatile option for head coach Carl Hogg.
The 27-year-old, who joined from French outfit Grenoble, has spent five seasons in the Southern Hemisphere’s Super Rugby competition, where he represented New Zealand sides Waikato Chiefs and Blues.
The Kiwi boasts a wealth of international experience, after winning the Junior World Championships with New Zealand in 2008 and has featured seven times for the Maori All Blacks.
“The guys have been very welcoming here at Worcester. I’ve spent the last few weeks at the club trying to get to know everyone and familiarise myself with the city,” said Willison.
“The facilities at Sixways are one of the main things that attracted me to come here, as I’ve never seen facilities like it in my entire career. The equipment and high conditioning team make it a great environment to play in.
“I didn’t know anyone before I joined other than Bryce Heem, who I’d only met a couple of times in New Zealand. Being in a completely new environment is quite daunting to be honest, but at the same time very exciting.
“I think I can include the experience I’ve gained from Super Rugby and the Top 14 in the Premiership. I’ll be looking to implement physicality and speed and I hope some of the squad’s younger players can learn from me.
“I’m slightly different to all the midfielders we have here. I can kick, pass and run when I have to, so I can give the team options.
“The foundations are in place for success, we just have to push on. I’m just itching for the season to begin now.”