Who is Josh Drauniniu?

Josh Drauniniu is the man that the club have announced has put pen to paper on a new contract.  I figured it was worth finding out a little bit more about this very charismatic winger's rugby and personal history.

The Warriors own website describes the initial signing of Josh as "the signing of try machine Josh Drauniniu from London Welsh" Which based on his London Welsh statistics seemed a fair description.

Whilst at Worcester Josh has played 15 + 3 and scored 60 points with 12 tries. 8 tries in the 2011/12 season: Bath, Crociati (2), Bucharest (2), Ospreys and Saints. In fact he scored tries in 7 of the 11 games he played and 4 tries so far this season against Saints and Rovigo (3).

The winger arrived from London Welsh having scored 16 tries in 22 starts. In his last season with Welsh he was voted the leagues top 11 for the season, by the now defunct Rugby Times, at the expense of Worcester's very own Marcel Garvey.

Josh spent 2009 - 2010 at Harlequins, which may not be considered the highlight of his club career playing 8 games and scoring 2 tries, but he was a presence within the England 7's team at the same time.

Exeter was his club home 2007 - 2009 whilst still in the Navy and his 3 year career within England 7's began in 2008. It is funny how rugby is such a small community, as whilst at Exeter Josh played and scored against teams such as Launceston with current Worcester fly half Danny Gray. He also picked up compliments in the national press from former Warrior and then team mate Chris Cracknell "As we all know, he's a fantastic player - a pretty rare talent - and it's great to have him involved." Speaking of Josh's inclusion in the England 7's squad.

From 2003 to 2007 his rugby career is documented as being with the Royal Navy. Born in Suva, Fiji Josh joined his now adopted countries senior armed service at the age of 17 where he served until 2012. He saw active service in the Gulf in 2005. His Navy and Twickenham debut came against the British Army in 2004, having only played football and rugby league at school, Josh's rise in rugby union was pretty accelerated by anybody's standard.

As a Navy / Exeter player, as recorded on the RFU website Josh made his debut for England at the Dubai 7's in 2008, scoring a try against Portugal. He was an ever present during the following games. In 2010 Ben Ryan selected him for the Adelaide and Hong Kong 7's weekends along with, now Worcester teammate Jake Abbott.

In 2011 when it was announced that Josh Drauniniu was signing for Worcester Warriors, head coach Richard Hill said "I first saw Josh playing for the Royal Navy three or four years ago, while he was at Exeter, and he was the standout performer. He was a raw talent and a real try-scoring machine who I have tracked ever since." I would say that this new contract reaffirms Hill's belief in the flying winger, even if he is not selected for that many premiership games.

To find out more about Josh the person I asked his friend and former team mate Matt Rhodes a few questions:

How do you know Josh and when did you first meet?

"I first met Josh on board HMs Albion... 2006ish?? As a navy chef he was in charge of feeding embarked forces, as a Royal Marine I looked to josh for top quality 'scran!'. I am not blaming Josh, at all, for the quality of food on board!!! Haha."

Having heard that Josh has signed a new contract at Worcester Warriors, what are your thoughts?

"I am delighted to hear that Josh has re-signed, it really couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. Lets hope he gets more prem game time to show the league what I know he is capable of!!"

You played together in the Navy, what is he like to play with and did you ever play against him?

"He was a nightmare to play with!!! So unpredictable, but I think it was this unpredictability coupled with natural speed and a beautifully balanced running technique that has made him so devastating to defences. I never have played against Josh. Even when he was at welsh."

On the pitch, how would you describe Josh?

"On the pitch I would compare Josh to and Afghan IED. Whilst on patrol, you know it's there, you fear it, knowing that more likely than not it is going to explode and when it does so it has devastating consequences. Pretty much like waiting for Josh to score one of his trademark intercept tries!!"

What is he like off the pitch?

"Off the pitch he is a great lad and an honourable gentlemen."

Final question, please set the record straight; how do YOU pronounce his surname?

"Haha. And having known Josh for so long, I am ashamed to admit I still cannot pronounce his name. My guess - Dra-nu-ee."

A big thank you to Matt, former England 7's, Navy and Rotherham scrum half, for taking the time to chat about Josh.

Josh has had his fair share of injuries during his time with us, but now as a dedicated, full time professional he has the opportunity and desire to condition his body, improve his skills and pull on the Warriors shirt many more times over the coming 2 or 3 years.

At 27 it would appear Josh is about to come into his prime in the blue and gold of Worcester Warriors.