THE Premiership had better watch out -- the Fortey brothers are back!
It's been a while since prop Lee For-tey moved away from Gloucester in order to make it in rugby but, following twin Chris' Sixways switch, they have finally been reunited.
Good news for Worcester but perhaps not for opposition front rows and, just possibly, Premiership referees.
The duo have carved out a feisty reputation within the game -- picking up their fair share of yellow cards -- and the two together in a Premiership front row will be something to savour next season.
"It's going to be very interesting," said hooker Chris.
"I've already had the funny remarks over who will be first in the sin-bin next season.
"We started out together at Gloucester and it was very unfortunate that Lee wasn't offered a contract and I was.
"He's my brother and my best mate so I'm looking forward to playing together again. I'm sure we'll cause a bit of havoc!
"Growing up, we were always over the field, kicking a ball together and going one-on-one against each other. So, it was hard when we got split up at Gloucester. Now, I've got a real buzz thinking that I'll be back alongside him.
"The referees might just have a job on their hands! We are twins but Lee's got long hair now so it's fairly easy to tell us apart.
"I'm sure we'll have a laugh but, ultimately, I'm going to Worcester as a professional rugby player to do a professional job. I'm very hungry to get back to playing and helping Worcester go where they want to go -- the very top."
Lee Fortey's route to Worcester was a little more complex after dropping down into the semi-professional game in order to eventually make it in the top flight. He's hardly put a foot wrong since he made the move from Birmingham & Solihull two years ago.
Now it's just a case of shifting another Gloucester escapee, Tony Windo, from his seemingly permanent place at loosehead.
Sometimes, though, the difference between success and failure can come down to lady luck. "You need a bit of luck in your rugby career," said Chris.
"Looking back at our Gloucester days, I was the lucky one out of the two of us. I got a full-time contract and Lee didn't. However, he's shown his dedication and talent to come back into the Premiership.
"Lee's got where he is today by hard work. He thoroughly deserves his chance at Worcester. He's had it a lot harder than I have and, to come through the way he has, shows a lot about his character."
It's often said that Kingsholm players never really want to leave Gloucester, such is the stature of the club. And for Chris Fortey, it was a November injury -- when he broke his ankle against Sale -- that signalled the end of his Kingsholm career.
"It's my first serious injury and hopefully, it will be my last," he said. "Getting back to fitness is a long, lonely road.
"But I should be ready for pre-season training and I can't wait for things to start. It's a new beginning for me.
"I have massive respect for our coaches John Brain and Andy Keast and I really believe they will take the club places."
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