Cup success can be launchpad for Warriors revival
TED Hill believes winning the Premiership Cup would be the catalyst for Worcester to make a greater impact in the Premiership after years of wallowing in the wrong half of the table.
Hill is set to lead the Warriors in Tuesday’s final at London Irish with Worcester having a bye in the round of Premiership matches that follows at the weekend and they are set on winning their first trophy for eight years.
“It is a special opportunity that has been a long time coming,” said the 23year-old England forward. “Getting there is a massive boost for the club and we want to finish the job. No-one remembers who came second.
“The young guys have done really well to get us to the final and if we won it would be a whole team thing. I was gutted not to play in the semi-final against Gloucester and I am glad I will be involved this time.
“The players deserve success for all the hard work they put in and so do our supporters. It may be an away match for us, but our passionate fans will be there in numbers.”
Hill has played across the back row for Worcester this season and has experience of packing down in the second row. He won the last of his two England caps against the United States last summer, but with Worcester’s lead rugby consultant Steve Diamond thinking of picking him at No.8 next season, has his versatility counted against him?
“I enjoy playing at No.8 because you get your hands on the ball more,” said Hill, “but I see being able to play across the back row and in the second row as a positive because it gives you more strings to your bow.
“It is frustrating when you are not involved in internationals, but the back row positions are highly contested, one of the toughest areas in the squad. It is all down to what Eddie Jones wants and I just hope I can fit into that.
“I keep in contact with the England coaches and clearly lifting a trophy with Worcester would do no harm. It has been a difficult year and as captain you think what more could you do, but sulking gets you nowhere.
“We are all in it together and I know we have the means here to match Steve Diamond’s ambition. Winning the final would be a start. It is about connecting as a group and making sure we fire on all cylinders.”