RICHARD Blaze says he is leaving Worcester Warriors because he needs a "new challenge."

The England Saxons lock is in the process of moving to Leicester Tigers but admits it wasn't an easy decision to quit Sixways.

"It was hard for me to leave Worcester because I have spent five good years with them," Blaze said. "I've established myself in the first team but I felt that I needed a new challenge.

"Quite a few of the original group players who I started with at Worcester have moved on and done well for other clubs and when a club like Leicester comes along and says they want to sign you, you don't say no."

Blaze paid his first visit to Twickenham Stadium this week and is hoping to play his first game there on Monday in the Barclays Churchill Cup match against Scotland A'.

"I've never been to Twickenham before at any level so it was a great experience for me," said the 22-year-old.

"It's the home of rugby and I'm really looking forward to the Scotland game. Looking at the side they put out against the United States the other night, they look a strong side.

"But we had a good start to the tournament against the United States last week and we will be looking to build on that."