This weekend sees the return of the Gallagher Premiership, with Worcester Warriors visiting the Rec this Saturday and Jackson Willison is relishing the prospect of facing his former side.
Willison made the short trip down the M5 to Bath over the summer, and is ready to reacquaint himself with some familiar faces this weekend.
“I'm very excited," Willson said. "I've had this match pencilled in the calendar for a while now, it will be nice to catch up with friends who I spent a good two years with.”
Worcester currently find themselves in seventh place, after a solid start to the campaign, which has included a 37-44 victory over Leicester Tigers on the road, and an impressive 52-7 win over Bristol Bears at the Sixways.
The New Zealand-born centre is well aware of the threat that Worcester pose and admits the Blue, Black and White will have to be at their very best up front to come out on top.
“Worcester come into the match in fine form, so it's not got going to be easy that's for sure. Their backs possess danger in bucket loads, so for us I think dominating in the forwards will help, ultimately, we as a team need to put our best foot forward and start getting results, it will be a great game that's for sure.
“For me there are many great players in their team. A good friend of mine who is likely to line-up on the wing is Bryce Heem. We need to limit his time on the ball that's for sure. In the forwards Sam Lewis stands out - he's been outstanding for a few years now. I'm sure had he been playing back in Wales, he’d probably have a Wales cap by now.”
Alan Solomons' side have shown considerable progression since his arrival and Willison is not taking previous results between the two sides for granted.
“Every game in the (Gallagher) Premiership is tough, and this week is no different. At this stage of the season, winning home games is a must. I've been impressed by Worcester so far and their position on the table only confirms they have been going well. It's an exciting match, and we've prepared well, so hopefully the result will go in our favour.”
Willison isn't underestimating the importance of Saturday's game, and believes the supporters will play a crucial role as Gallagher Premiership Rugby returns to the Rec.
“This week, the result is very important. We want to win every game that's for sure - we owe it to the supporters who have got behind us from the word go.
"It's time to turn the corner and start putting in consistent performances that we can be proud of. We're looking forward to running out on the Rec come Saturday. Our supporters so far have been great and we certainly are going to need them behind us.”
There are a limited number of tickets available for this weekend's game, click here to get yours now.
