EX-WORCESTER Warriors star Josh Adams believes fitness “freak” Alex Hearle can muscle his way into Alan Solomons’ first-team plans.

Hearle made his senior debut in 2016 when he came off the bench against Wasps in the Anglo-Welsh Cup but has only been able to add three further appearances since then.

The 20-year-old wing was involved in Warriors’ match-day squad three times last season, featuring once as a replacement in the Premiership Cup semi-final against Saracens at Sixways.

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But Hearle has shone for Worcester Cavaliers in the Premiership Shield and his strength in the gym has also impressed Adams who left Warriors at the end of last season.

Adams, 24, reckons Hearle is one of a number of academy aces who will “carve it up in the Premiership” in the near future.

“When you come into the academy you are always learning,” said Adams who is set to play in this autumn’s Rugby World Cup with Wales.

“Alex is someone who is always keen to learn, always asks questions and is a freak in the gym.

“He is one of the strongest back-three players by far.

“He is very quick and improved his game last season having seen his performances for the Cavaliers.

“He is someone I am pretty excited about going forward as he has got all the attributes and skills to make the step-up.”

Adams also highlighted centres Ollie Lawrence and Will Butler, full-back Nick David, hooker Beck Cutting, prop Kai Owen and lock James Scott as young guns to watch out for next season.

“It’s always tough for a back-three player in the academy as you are going to have maybe four or five first-team players in front of you,” Adams said.

“But that’s why the academy is there for you to learn and develop.

“When you get your opportunity you need to take it and the boys in the academy are certainly doing that at the minute.

“I am really excited to turn on the television and watch these academy boys carve it up in the Premiership as there is loads of talent in there.”

Cardiff Blues-bound Adams departed Warriors as the club’s all-time Premiership try-scorer with 26 touchdowns, one ahead of Bryce Heem who has also left to join Toulon.

Worcester acted swiftly by signing Melani Nanai and Ed Fidow in a bid to fill the duo’s shoes ahead of the 2019-20 campaign.

And Adams thinks Warriors wingers Perry Humphreys, Dean Hammond and Tom Howe will also deliver in blue and gold.

“Perry played fairly regularly last season,” Adams said.

“He had a couple of injuries but is quality and has shown what a lethal finisher he is.

“Tommy is probably the fastest bloke in our squad. He has got electric pace and Deano is like a brick wall as he will tackle and run into anything.

“They have all got their little points of difference and are all quality players.

“I am looking forward to watching them step up and play regularly as well.”