BEN Hinshelwood has sensed a new hunger at Worcester Rugby Club with the influx of new, younger players.

The centre, who enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Sixways last year, has recently returned from winning his first Test cap for Scotland on tour against Canada.

He has seen a new, younger squad emerge at Worcester on his return to pre-season training this week with the club bringing in 14 new players during the summer which has drastically brought down the average age of the Sixways line-up.

"There is a lot more youthful exuberance at Worcester this season," he said. "Looking around the place you can see the hunger in the guys that have come in. Most of them have experience but there is a lot more hunger than maybe there has been in the past.

"It is looking very good for the season ahead. We maybe haven't got the big names this season as last, but the ones that have been brought in are solid players and the main thing is that they are keen to be playing in the Premiership."

Hinshelwood has enjoyed a superb year with Worcester since his move from Bedford.

The son of former Scottish international Sandy has gone from strength to strength since his Sixways switch culminating in a bumper new contract and a call-up to Scotland's touring squad for their North American tour. He is aware, however, that he will be a marked man this season in National One.

"I thought about that over the summer and that's definitely the case," he added. "But the way we played over the past six months it's hard to single out one player if you are defending. There are so many other players at Worcester who can break the line, so if they concentrate on me it'll be easier for the team to score."

The Australian-born star rates his Scotland experience as a "great success" but admits that a change from outside centre to full back took him a while to get used to. Coach Ian McGeechan selected Hinshelwood at 15 rather than his preferred centre role but the Worcester man was not about to complain.

"It was a little bit of a change because, for three or four months, I'd been playing at 13 every week," he said.

"It didn't affect me too badly but it was just different with a lot more to think about in regard to defence and making sure you are covering.

"It was a great experience for me. The guys on the tour were awesome and I've made a lot of new friends.

"I think the international experience improves you mentally and, of course, the pace and the skill level is a lot higher as well."