RISING star Ted Hill has welcomed the chance to be part of Worcester Warriors’ leadership group and help to bring “clarity” to the squad.

Last summer the 20-year-old flanker was relatively unknown having made just two outings off the bench in the 2017-18 campaign.

Fast forward 12 months and Hill is an England senior international with 25 Warriors appearances and eight tries to his name.

Hill who made his England debut in the autumn series will now head into the new season as a key man in Alan Solomons’ plans and a leader within the squad.

Fellow academy graduate Will Butler has also been selected in the leadership group that includes Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Ryan Mills, Marco Mama, Chris Pennell and Francois Venter.

“There is a group of us who get together and talk about what’s happening in the squad and bring clarity,” Hill said.

“I haven’t been involved in too many meetings so far as I’ve just got back but it’s good for me and Will to get that experience.”

Hill has previously led Warriors under 18s and England under 20s.

Asked whether it felt like a natural progression, Hill replied: “Yes, but it’s important to remember that leadership isn’t just about the captain.

“You need lots of leaders on the pitch and players like Marco and Ryan (Mills) can help out and provide insight.”

Hill returned to pre-season training at Sixways later than most of the squad having been in action for England at the World Rugby U20 Championships in Argentina.

After a week away with his girlfriend in Cyprus and a break with friends in the Lake District Hill is back at Warriors and determined to improve.

“I want to push myself as hard as I can this pre-season and not just ‘get through’ it,” Hill said.

“I want to strive to better myself whether it is fitness or skills.

“My goal for the season is to be playing as much as possible and show everyone what I can do.”

Warriors have added eight new faces to the first team including Melani Nanai, Ed Fidow and Graham Kitchener.

On the summer signings, Hill added: “There are some really nice guys and they have slotted straight in.

“It looks like we’ve got a really good balanced squad for the coming year so we can’t wait to start.”