Shane Drahm had a short loan spell at Launceston this season

Worcester Warriors fly-half Shane Drahm has explained why he is leaving the club to play rugby in Japan.

The 30-year-old Australian will join Kubota Spears this summer along with Warriors team-mate Drew Hickey.

Drahm told BBC Hereford & Worcester: "When I made the decision it was more about being closer to home and having a bit more time off.

"We'll only be about seven hours from Brisbane and the family will be able to spend about five months at home."

Drahm, who had previously fallen out of favour this season, has been in great form since being recalled from loan at National League One side Launceston in February.

In the 10 games he has been back, he has scored 75 points and the Warriors have lost just twice, reaching the European Challenge Cup final, against Bath at Kingsholm on 25 May.

But Drahm's decision to return to the other side of the world has long since been made.

"We've been away for seven years now," he said, "so it's important that I get my wife and kids to see their family."

A third Warrior, Thinus Delport, is also heading to Japan this summer.