Willie Walker has promised to be Worcester’s odd job man after moving to Sixways from Gloucester until the end of the season.
The 30-year-old can play fly half, full back and even centre making him the perfect addition for a squad burdened with injuries right across the threequarter line.
And although he is likely to make his debut from the bench in this weekend’s Guinness Premiership match with Bath, the former New Zealand Maori will bring depth and quality to a unit that has failed to spark despite its big names.
Walker is unlikely to come in and depose regular No?15 Chris Latham but might expect to rival Joey Carlisle, Matthew Jones and Loki Crichton for the stand off berth, perhaps as soon as the trip to Leicester on Saturday week.
Wherever he plays Walker just wants to make an impact with his new team. “It’s a new challenge for me and one I’m relishing and want to make the most of,” he said.
“Coming from Gloucester, and moving to the local rivals, is different but I’m a Worcester player now and want to make the most of my time here to push the club up the league. I’m happy to play in whatever position they need me.
“I like to think I am an attacking player and I can add a new dimension to the side wherever I play.
“The club has had a bit of an injury crisis in recent times so I can understand the need to bring someone in to make sure there is competition, cover and also help kick the side on.
“The club has a very exciting back line with players like Chris Latham and Rico [Gear] and I want to be able to add to that and make us really play using my experience.
“There is also Joe Carlisle here who is young player coming through so I want to try to help him learn too.”
Walker’s transition will be helped by some familiar faces, against and with whom he played in New Zealand.
“I’m good friends with Rico Gear so I’m looking forward to getting in the same team as him and hopefully showing we can link up and play together.
“I also know Sammy Tuitupou well so it has been easy to settle into the club the first few days and try and make an impression in training ahead of the Bath game.”
Hal Luscombe won’t be making any sort of impression against Bath, however.
The Wales centre has a calf injury that keeps him out and alongside his compatriot Chris Horsman on the treatment table.
The tighthead aggravated a long-standing neck injury in training and will see a specialist this week to ascertain when he can start playing again.
Luscombe’s absence will bring Crichton into the unfamiliar inside centre position with Dale Rasmussen reverting to his customary outside berth.
Latham will be ready to return having been carried off in the last match, a defeat to Sale, with neck ligament damage that caused him to lose feeling in his arms and legs temporarily.
