WORCESTER Warriors could have a “pretty special” player on their hands once Zimbabwe international Farai Mudariki has had a full pre-season under his belt.

That’s the view of former Warriors lock James Percival who was instrumental in bringing the “explosive” tighthead prop to Sixways last summer.

Mudariki has made just two Premiership Cup appearances for Warriors since signing from Federale One outfit Stado Tarbes Pyrenees.

But boss Alan Solomons has handed him a new one-year deal and Percival reckons the 23-year-old has got a bright future ahead of him.

“Farai can be a pretty special player,” Percival said.

“I think he needs to do a full pre-season to really get the best out of him. He has got a very professional attitude, is a really nice guy and the one thing he offers that a lot of tighthead props don’t is explosiveness, ball-carrying and handling skills.

“I would not have contacted Worcester if I didn’t think he would be a really good player for them.”

Mudariki spent two seasons as an academy player at Top 14 club Castres Olympique before joining Tarbes where Percival played alongside him.

Percival who left Warriors in 2015 after playing 88 games for them said he quickly identified that Mudariki was “too good” for the French third tier and decided to contact a “few clubs” in England.

“I came into the club one day and they had signed this new tighthead prop from Castres,” said the 35-year-old.

“He was so fit he was beating nearly all the forwards in the fitness sessions and carrying the ball all around the pitch.

“I thought this kid is too good to be here so when his contract was coming to an end I thought I would speak to a few clubs about him in England.

“I sent a video to (former Warriors head coach) Carl Hogg who said he would pass it onto Alan (Solomons). He took a look it and said I am interested.

“He had to play for Zimbabwe in the summer to gain his visa so he missed pre-season which was the unfortunate thing.

“But he has been going well in the A League and Alan seems really happy with him.

“For a young lad who has not been exposed to Premiership rugby before I think he is coming along really well and I am thankful the club took him on.”

Mudariki made his debut against Sale Sharks in late October before facing Saracens at Allianz Park but has played most of his rugby in the Premiership Shield with Worcester Cavaliers this term.