WORCESTER-bound All Black lock Greg Rawlinson believes he can help turn the Warriors into Premiership contenders next season.

The Auckland Blues giant, one of only two South African-born players to represent the All Blacks, stands at 6ft 7in and weighs in at nearly 18 stone.

Set pieces are his undoubted speciality but Rawlinson's versatility has earned him three New Zealand caps and he has excelled in one of the toughest rugby environments in the world since making the transition from his homeland.

"My objective at Worcester is to help the team to go from the bottom end of the table to the top," said Rawlinson.

"First things first though, I want to do my own job well, and have a positive influence on those players around me.

"I would like to think that I'm a physical player, who likes to get my hands on the ball and get involved not only at the breakdowns but also in open play.

"Set pieces have always been a focus of mine and I feel I've picked up a lot of technical points in my time spent in New Zealand."

Rawlinson spent the five past years in New Zealand, and was in contention to play more Test rugby, but playing in Europe was a long-held ambition.

When Worcester came knocking on his door, he could not resist the opportunity to move nearer to his friends and family - even if it cost him his All Blacks career.

"I didn't find it a very difficult decision to join Worcester and give up on playing for the All Blacks," he said.

"I have spent the last five years in New Zealand playing professional rugby far away from my family and many close friends.

"Playing in England will bring me closer to everyone and allow me to live in a new and interesting part of the world.

"Making it into the All Blacks has been a dream come true but I feel the time is right for a different challenge."

Rawlinson is determined to prove his match-winning credentials by repaying the faith that Warriors coach Mike Ruddock has shown in him.

"Mike and everyone at the club are putting a lot of effort into making Worcester a serious force in the Premiership," he said.

"My role is to contribute to that transition by bringing a professional approach both on and off the field."