WARRIORS winger Josh Drauniniu insists he has never been fitter than he is now thanks to an intensive pre-season campaign.

The Worcester squad are being put through a thorough fitness regime ahead of the Greene King IPA Championship season.

Although the former Harelquins and Exeter speedster admits it has been hard going, he feels it will serve the squad well in the long term.

Drauniniu said: “Pre-season has been a lot tougher than last year. It has involved more running than in previous seasons and has obviously been very fitness-based.

“It’s been hard work but you just have to keep your head down and work through it. It has, without doubt, made me the fittest I have ever been.

“Since I started playing rugby, this has been the hardest pre-season I’ve ever been involved in.”

The winger added: “The team challenges we did at Apex Motocross earlier in the summer broke me. There were several groups of eight people and we were competing against each other again and again. It was very competitive.

“Then we had the log-carrying, the Swiss ball where you carry a big gym ball around filled with water, and also kettle bells and sandbags in the heat. It was very intense training but I think it has helped us to improve our fitness considerably.

“Our trip to Portugal was just a week of really hard work – getting up early and training all day before resting up in the afternoon.”

On the season ahead, Drauniniu added: “The new guys have slotted straight in. When you’re in rugby you know a lot of people from watching or playing against them and with the guys that come to your club you try and make them fit in as comfortably as they can.

“I can’t wait for the new season. This year will bring a lot of challenges and obviously the one for me is to compete for the wing jersey.

“The depth we have on the wings is fantastic. With the likes of Sam Smith and Tom Biggs coming in and also James Stephenson and Josh Watkins, it will be a challenge to get into the team.

“But that’s only healthy at a good club.”