AFTER finally pulling on a Warriors shirt, Chris Latham revealed it was director of rugby Mike Ruddock’s vision for the future that persuaded him to sign for Worcester.

The 78-times capped Wallaby full-back will train with his new team-mates for the first time today and is delighted how the early stages of his Worcester career have taken shape.

The 32-year-old and his family have had a smooth transition from southern to northern hemisphere and he is raring to go.

He said: “I’ve never been to Worcester before and didn’t tell anyone about my move until I’d signed.

“I spoke to Mike and he mapped out the club’s plans and the direction they want to go and it was the opportunity to be part of that which persuaded me to sign.

“My family and I are extremely happy with Worcester and what it has to offer.

“That was the first hurdle — getting the family happy and settled — and then it was coming to Sixways to see the new pitch, the stand going up and the direction the club is heading in.

“For me to play good rugby, my family need to be enjoying where they are.

“So, to be a couple of days into it and for them to be pretty settled already is a positive on our behalf — a lot of credit has to go to Warriors for that as they’ve done a marvellous job in organising things for us.

“It was difficult to leave the Queensland Reds after being there for 10 years — it was my home and what matured me into a man.

“But it is exciting to be here — Sixways has a similar feeling to Ballymore (the Reds’ stadium). The crowd will be right on top of us and we’re up close and personal with them.

“Hopefully I’ll be able to do some good things on the paddock and show what I did for the Reds.”

Latham, who is the second highest try-scorer in Wallaby history, also reiterated his determination to be fit for Worcester’s opening Guinness Premiership clash.

It is still touch-and-go whether or not he will have recovered from his torn pectoral muscle in time to face Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens on September 7.

He added: “As far as fitness goes, I’m probably the fittest I’ve been for a long time. I’ve had a great opportunity to get a lot of running and core strength under my belt while I’ve been injured.

“With the injury itself, I’m not far off. These next few weeks will be crucial to the timing of when I come back and how my shoulder responds to the next level I need to push it to. But, fingers crossed, I can be back for a trial game and then start the season.”