EXPERIENCED lock Dean Schofield believes newly-appointed high performance director Nick Johnston has given slumbering Worcester Warriors a wake-up call.
The 48-year-old was brought to Worcester to implement a range of top class systems which would help the club build towards a brighter future.
But Schofield said Johnston, who finished a six-year spell at Northampton Saints in October, has already made a big impact despite only arriving at Sixways last month.
The pair worked together at Sale Sharks where Johnston was renowned for his punishing training sessions and Schofield said he was exactly what was needed at Warriors, who sit bottom of the Aviva Premiership table.
“I think Johnston was an amazing addition,” Schofield said. “He has already changed the working week as he has freshened things up a bit.
“Usually on a Monday morning only a few of us would be in training, but now we have got the whole squad in, so the place is feeling more alive.
“I know Nick will bring high standards and if you look at the condition the guys are in at Northampton now that has been down to him.
“Nick even put me in hospital once as I ran myself until I collapsed.
“I also remember when he used to do a 10k run with the backs and then he’ll be back on the starting line ready to do another 10k run with the forwards, so when you see that it can only rub off on the lads.”
“He is a positive influence to have around and I am sure he will get everything he can possible get out of this squad.
“There will certainly be nothing left in the tank here – that’s for sure.”
Warriors are back in action at Sixways on Saturday (January 18, 3pm kick off) against Oyonnax in their final Amlin Challenge Cup match.
