INJURED fly half Sam Windsor still appears to be in director of rugby Dean Ryan’s long-term plans at Worcester Warriors despite the signing of Tom Heathcote.
The 27-year-old has played just ten minutes in a Worcester jersey since joining on trial from Australian side New South Wales Country Eagles in December.
A dislocated shoulder sustained in the opening stages of an A League encounter against Bristol United looked like scuppering his hopes of securing a permanent deal at Sixways.
Warriors have also snapped up talented stand off Heathcote from Edinburgh for next season, but Ryan insisted Windsor will continue to fight for a place at the club.
“Yes (he is still at the club) and we are really excited about Sam,” Ryan said.
“Sadly when someone comes into an environment and gets injured quickly, they get robbed of the chance to showcase yourself.
“But we are really excited about what Sam can offer. We have seen a lot of footage of him and within ten minutes of an A League game he lit the place up.
“We are keen to maintain the relationship with him because he is hungry for an opportunity. We think he has got talent and we are doing everything we can to get back as quickly as we can.”
Meanwhile, Ryan revealed he was looking to send some of his fringe players out on loan to secure much-needed game-time.
“We may look to get Ben Sowrey a game at Rotherham, while other people may get five or six games because they have been robbed of game-time,” Ryan added.
“Heath Stevens is somebody who hasn’t had a real opportunity since he ripped his hamstring. A couple of players will decide over the next few days what is right for them.”