Warrior Horstmann expects something special at Sixways

BRIAN DICK

Rugby Correspondent

brian.dick@birminghampost.net

Kai Horstmann says the feeling ‘something special’ is happening at Sixways was behind his decision to sign a new three-year contract with Worcester Warriors.

The consistent back row forward, who joined from Harlequins in May 2005, yesterday agreed a contract that will keep him at the club until 2012 and said he hoped to use the platform provided by director of rugby Mike Ruddock to re-launch his international career.

Although Warriors fell to just their second European Challenge Cup defeat in 12 matches in Bourgoin on Friday, Horstmann believes the club are on the brink of fulfilling his ambitions on domestic and continental fronts.

Worcester reached the final last season and are closer than ever before to threatening the Premiership’s elite – facts that persuaded the 27-year-old he is in the best place possible.

“From the start I’ve told the coaching staff I wanted to stay. I can’t see myself playing for any other team and couldn’t be happier to sign the new deal,” Horstmann said. “I’m settled and have enjoyed my career at Sixways and look forward to a bright future and continuing to help the club achieve its big ambitions.

“I want to be a part of something special and feel that is what is happening at Warriors. I’ve seen the club come through some dramatic experiences in the past and in the Guinness Premiership, but now feel we are ready to move on into the top half and challenge the top sides.

“I feel I have become a better player at Warriors. I’ve improved many aspects of my game and really enjoy working with the current coaching set-up who I feel can push me even further. The structure is there for me to progress.

“My aim remains to play a big part at Warriors and also push my international claims. I’ve big aspirations in the game and want to play for England. That is something I feel I can achieve with Warriors.”

Horstmann has played 96 senior games for Warriors and has become a key part of the pack and has even captained the side in the absence of Pat Sanderson.