Willison in no doubts Bath can float his trophy boat

KIWI centre Jackson Willison aims to join a select band to win league titles either side of the equator – and insists Bath is the place to do it.

A Super Rugby winner with New Zealand’s Chiefs in 2012, Willison, 30, failed to crack the Premiership during two seasons at Worcester but is certain better times are ahead.

He told TRP: “I enjoyed my time at Worcester without getting the results but I’m confident that this will be the best move of my career.

“I wanted to Test myself in a side full of top-calibre internationals and with guys like Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Joseph on the roster, it was a good time to come.

“It’s a big challenge and although I played with a lot of good people at my previous club, I want to start winning titles in this country. Hopefully, this can be the year and I’m convinced this is the right place because of the quality of players in our squad.”

A playmaking No.12 by trade, Willison expected to be competing head-to-head with the more direct Wales and Lions centre Jamie Roberts, although Joseph’s foot injury means he has started the season at No.13.

Forming new combinations will take time. Willison said: “No.12 would be my preference but you’ve got to look at what’s best for the team and when injuries strike, as they have with Jonathan, I’m happy to play where needed.

“It’ll be a challenge against Jamie, but we’re very different players and longer-term I don’t see why we can’t complement each other. The more we play together and with the rest of the team, the better our understanding will become.”

Bath are desperate to end a ten-year trophy drought. Willison added: “Losing to Bristol first-up was very frustrating but the ingredients are all here.

“It might take time and there are a few combinations that need more oil, but I’m confident we can achieve world-class standards and compete for silverware.

“There are a lot of experienced blokes here so it’s ready for lift-off and we want trophies.”