Injury-cursed Ashley wants key role in revival
FIT-AGAIN former Wales centre Ashley Beck is determined to take Worcester up the Premiership table and put together a sustained run of matches after an injuryblighted stay at Sixways.
Beck won seven Test caps between 2012 and 2013 before swapping Ospreys for the Warriors in 2018 where, sadly, his injury troubles have continued.
The 31-year-old has spent long periods of his career on the treatment table – hip, knee, groin, ankle and shoulder problems, and this season a neck injury – but he is now back after his latest blow and wants to play a key role for Warriors for the rest of the season.
“I definitely think my game has improved and I’ve got better as a person by leaving Wales,” Beck told TRP. “I used to get a nosebleed if I went past Bridgend because I didn’t like to travel!
“I was a little bit worried coming all the way to Worcester at the start, but it’s been the best thing I’ve done and I’ve enjoyed my rugby when I’ve been fit.
“Because I’ve had a couple of years out with injury, I’ve added them all up and I reckon it means I can play until I’m 40 now! I’m not sure Worcester will keep me that long, but I’m happy here.
“I’d like to think I can still keep going. Willi Heinz has come to the club and he’s 36. I’m not sure I’ll last till then, but I want to keep contributing and hopefully I can.”
Worcester had a shocking October, shipping 31, 42, 48 and 66 points to Gloucester, Exeter, Leicester and Northampton respectively.
Former Sale supremo Steve Diamond has come in as a consultant and Beck said: “Everyone is now starting to believe in what we’re trying to do and has trust in our system. We’ve had so many new boys and young players come through that it was going to take time to bed in.
“Jonathan Thomas said that in the summer, and I’d like to think we’ve turned the corner now and can compete more, especially when we play at home. The young guys just want to get out on the field and play rugby.
“We’re hard critics on ourselves and there is nothing worse than coming in on a Monday after a heavy loss and knowing we’re going to get it with both barrels from the coaches.
“There are no easy games in the Premiership and it’s relentless playing against all the top teams.”