Nick David graduates to Worcester Warriors senior squad

Nick David has become the latest player to graduate from Worcester Warriors’ Three Pears Warriors Academy to the senior squad at Sixways.

David, who can play at full-back or wing, spent three seasons in the senior academy and has now followed a well-trodden path into the senior squad, having made his mark in nine first team appearances before the coronavirus lockdown.

David, 21, scored three tries in nine first team appearances, including one on his Premiership debut against Bath in February and another at Bristol Bears the following week.

The Warwick School product made his senior debut in a Premiership Rugby Cup match at Saracens in November, 2018 and joined the senior academy ahead of the 2017/18 season having played for England at all age groups from Under-16s to Under-19s.

Like Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence, Will Butler, Andrew Kitchener, Tom Dodd, Gareth Simpson, Justin Clegg and Alex Hearle, who have all graduated to the senior squad in recent seasons, David has benefited from training as part of the first team squad since he first joined the senior academy.

“I am really looking forward to getting this season back underway,” said David, “I really enjoyed the last four Premiership games I played.

“That was a really good experience for me. I felt as if I learned a lot on and off the field.

“Playing with big name players like Chris Pennell, who helped me a lot with backfield coverage, and Duncan Weir helped with my general game understanding and I really enjoyed it.

“It has made me hungry to put my name forward for selection when we return to playing.

“When you come into the academy in your first year you train with the first team straight away so you feel comfortable in that environment.

“You can go up to senior players and ask them about things you aren’t quite sure about.

“That really puts you at ease and gives you the confidence to train well with them and, when you get the opportunity, to go out and play with them and play well.

“I’m also moving up to the senior squad with guys who have come through the academy with from Under-14s and Under-15s.

“We have all progressed on the same journey together so it will be nice seeing familiar faces and seeing them push on next season.”

Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons believes the future success of the club will be based around a core of talented homegrown young players and is delighted to see David step up to the senior squad.

“It is fantastic to see Nick, who is equally at home at full-back or wing, take the step up to Senior level,” Solomons said.

“He has been given opportunities in the Gallagher Premiership this season and has shown that he has the ability to cut it at this level.

“He is a terrific bloke, a bright young man and a homegrown product to whom the club means a great deal. I really look forward to continue working with him.” 

Photo Caption: Nick David.