RETURNING prop Chris Horsman has paid tribute to Worcester Warriors chairman Cecil Duckworth for the way the club have dealt with his injury problems and international absences.

Having missed the start of the season because he was representing Wales at the Rugby World Cup in France, Horsman then suffered a torn bicep in the disappointing 26-21 loss at Leeds on October 12 in his first game back for club.

Although well on the road to recovery now, the popular fro-nt-row man is still up to six weeks away from a return to action.

Despite having been a Worcester Warriors player since 2004, the 30-year-old has only managed 41 appearances for the club because of injuries and international call-ups.

However, he is grateful to everyone associated with the Sixways side for standing by him. He said: "I was so disappointed to get injured - for myself, the other players and coaches, the fans and for Cecil Duckworth too.

"Because I was at the World Cup with a team other than England, Worcester were not reimbursed by the RFU, so the club have been very supportive of me.

"They have been brilliant, so to come back from the World Cup and get injured straight away was very disappointing, but I can't speak highly enough of what the club have done for me."

Horsman has remained phi-losophical during his injury lay-off and has been able to divide his time between the Sixways gym and his young family.

He added: "These injuries do happen, but you have to make the most of it.

"My wife and I had our third child on December 27, a little girl called Ada, and I have be-en able to be around at home more.

"Every cloud has a silver lining I suppose, but with my injury I have also been able to train and work on my anaerobic and aerobic fitness, which is now better than ever.

"I have been working with Brian Downey and Ben MacD-onald, our physios, as well as with Kier Hansen and Stuart Pickering, the conditioners.

"The set up at Sixways is really good and because Brian and Kier tend to work with the first team squad, it means I get to work with Ben and Stuart on a daily basis which has been a big help in my recovery."

Understandably, Horsman misses playing rugby and is keen to get back as soon as possible to support his team-mates.

He said: "When I am in and around the club I often see Tevita Taumoepeau and I feel really sorry for him.

"As a tighthead, it is difficult to play 80 minutes every week like he has had to - I just wish I could get out there and give him some support."