Walker feels wanted at Worcester

Walker played for North Harbour, and Highlanders in the Super 14

Worcester Warriors' new signing Willie Walker has said he made the permanent move to Sixways because he felt wanted.

Walker has signed a two-year deal after spending the final months of last season on loan from Gloucester.

The 30-year-old, who is comfortable at both fly-half and full-back, told BBC Hereford and Worcester he realised he was not wanted at Kingsholm.

"I enjoyed my time at Gloucester but not being needed there and being wanted at Sixways is what it's about."

The Kiwi said there were no sour grapes about his release from Kingsholm a year early.

"Any sportsman would say they would rather be at a team where they are wanted," he said.

I don't have to settle into a new side again and I don't have to move my family and settle into the new area

Willie Walker

"I thought I was a big part of the squad at Gloucester, but as it turned out I wasn't needed.

"It was good to get the deal at Worcester wrapped up and I'm just looking ahead to the season. I enjoyed my time here last season and am really looking forward to the new one."

Walker joined Gloucester in 2006, making 64 appearances for the Cherry and Whites, scoring 364 points, but said the short move up the M5 was perfect.

"I don't have to settle into a new side again and I don't have to move my family and settle into the new area," he added.

"We start training again in the middle of June, so I'm going to go back with my family to New Zealand for a break and will come back ready for the new season."