Worcester Warriors are right for me says Sam Smith

Sam Smith has denied he was forced out of Harlequins to make room for Marland Yarde, revealing he turned down a new deal in favour of joining Worcester next season.
Smith’s deal is up at the end of the season, when England flyer Yarde joins Quins.
Smith, 23, says Quins director of rugby Conor O’Shea wanted him to stay but the extra game time at Worcester and the Warriors’ long-term project under Dean Ryan convinced him his future lay at Sixways.
“Conor offered me a contract to stay at Quins but I explained why I was leaving and he completely understood,” said Smith. “It was a very tough decision, there were quite a few sleepless nights, but I’m happy with my decision.
“I want to be playing every week and there is a greater opportunity at Worcester.
“Hopefully I can cement a place at Worcester in the fantastic new squad they are bringing.”
Since telling O’Shea of his desire to leave, Smith has enjoyed a run in the Quins side and his tries have kept the Londoners in the hunt for a top-four spot. They came into last weekend’s clash – with Worcester – in fifth.
The Warriors began the weekend 12 points from safety but Smith believes that even if they do suffer relegation, they will be back stronger than ever.
“I can understand why my move might look like a strange one but people don’t know all the things going on behind the scenes at Worcester,” he added.
“Some of the players they have brought in and are planning to bring in are top class, I have signed for three years and so have the majority of people who have joined because we’re excited about where the club is going.
“I see it as a chance to build from the ground up, work on establishing the club culture and a work ethic.
“Going into the Championship might not be the worst thing in the world so we can build.”
Yarde’s arrival swells Quins’ wing ranks which  include Ugo Monye, Charlie Walker and Tom Williams.
Smith added: “Quins have always had good wingers since I have been here, guys like Stretts (David Strettle), Gonzalo Camacho and Ugo.
“It’s always been tough as a winger to get a lot of game time.  But I would not be the player I am today if it were not for that competition.”
CHARLIE TALBOT-SMITH