WITH a name like Bates and a nickname 'nutter' you might expect this man to run an out-of-town motel.

But Richard Bates is far from the norm.

The 17 stone powerhouse has spent time in Japan, Australia and the Zurich Premiership in a varied career which began in his native South Africa.

In his time in the game he has built up a reputation for relishing a physical approach to matches, one which was reinforced with a significant impact against Manchester on Saturday.

It was his first meaningful action since his summer move to Worcester Rugby Club following a shoulder operation. And the former Natal star has been eulogising about the experience this week after a frustrating seven month's rehabilitation.

"It was great to play because it has been such a long time for me," he said. "Every time I train and play I get quite excited now. The coaches have been building up my time on the pitch but Saturday was a whole half so it was exciting. I'm understandably keen to build up my game time now."

In a back row unit, however, with contenders such as Mark Gabey, Jim Jenner, Christian Evans, Gavin Pfister, Richard Nias and Neil Mason it is undoubtedly the most difficult area to be selected and Bates is well aware of the competition around him.

"It is a good thing. It is perfect for the team and the coaches. It means you get the best out of the players. You have to train properly all the time even if you are not feeling particularly fresh because you know you cannot rest on your laurels. If you want to be there and be part of it all, you have to look after yourself."

Looking after himself will not be a problem in National One this season, certainly judging by Saturday's evidence. Bates came on as a half time replacement and made an impression after just 10 seconds, smashing holes into the Manchester midfield in his inimitable style.

"That is one of my strengths," he said. "I think size is important when you are taking the ball into contact like that. Confidence is also a major factor and, because it's something I've done a lot of in the past, I feel pretty happy doing it. I enjoy the physical side of things but that's part of the game."

So now to the nickname. 'Nutter' -- sounds pretty straightforward, fairly self-explanatory. However, meeting Bates off the field gives you an impression of a calm, eloquent man rather than a snarling battering ram.

"My wife Naomi totally disagrees with the nickname! I was given it by the London Irish supporters last year. I don't think any of them had met me before they gave that to me. It was just on what they had seen on the field. I think it's fair to say I've got a quietly competitive spirit and I'm quietly ambitious which sometimes rears its ugly head on the pitch.

"I don't mind the nickname, I know my father's quite proud of it! He found a shop recently called Nutters and told me I should go and get sponsored by them!"

The flanker, who also played at centre during his time in Japan, is now focusing on Saturday as Bedford Blues travel to Sixways. And after impressing at Grove Park, Bates is raring to go.

"The last game, because I came on at the beginning of the second half, was more structured for me. Everyone tells you to make sure you get off to a good start in a game and I did that on Saturday. I think we scored after 20 odd seconds in the second half and to be involved was great. Obviously now, you want to build on that."

Off the field, Bates is continuing his love affair with Japan, brushing up on the language as he prepares for his summer of 'extreme' sport.

"I'm studying Japanese at the moment after my two-and-a-half years over there. I really enjoyed it in Japan and worked at the language but was never able to become fluent in it. So that's unfinished business if you like. Most other activities I really enjoy are extreme sports such as snowboarding but that has to wait until the rugby finishes!"

Bates readily admits that John Brain and Andy Keast's decision to bring an injured player to Sixways was a gamble. But after battling through the mental and physical barriers following his dislocated shoulder and surgery, the big man is desperate to repay the faith.

"It has been an immensely frustrating time for me. I was confident the operation wouldn't affect my commitment on the rugby field. I know people have had problems with that in the past.

"It did affect my self belief in other things and when you are badly injured or recovering from a serious operation, as a sportsman, it is the lowest you can get. You cannot do anything about it. Of course you try to get better but things take time and it is frustrating.

"You don't think there is light at the end of the tunnel but we have very positive people here at Worcester. Clare Woodward, the physio, and Peter Finch, the fitness coach, have been tremendous while the coaches have given me the time necessary to recover.

"That showed tremendous courage because they are under pressure to achieve success here. I'm sure supporters were saying 'What are you doing signing injured players?'

"Clare Woodward has always been positive and she believes there is the placebo effect at work. If mentally you believe you will overcome problems, then you will. Now I have, I want to repay the coaches. They put their heads on the block with signing me and I would love to pay them back for their courage."

Bedford beware, there's a nutter on the loose.