THE signing of All Blacks Sevens star Bryce Heem demonstrates how far Worcester Warriors’ stock has risen.

That’s the view from Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan who believes the Waikato Chiefs back will be a big presence at Sixways.

“I think Bryce’s signing is an outstanding statement to where the club has got to,” said Ryan. “A player of his calibre understands what we are doing and has chosen to come to Worcester.

“It shows we are now starting to move up the ladder in terms of credibility as a place to come. Bryce is, hopefully, the start of us moving into a different market.

“The players who came in early like Gerrit-Jan van Velze and Jonathan Thomas deserve credit for taking on the challenge.

“We are now starting to gather momentum with Cooper Vuna and Bryce Heem and we are going into another level of experience.”

Auckland-born Heem, 26, can play on the wing, in the centre or at full-back and Ryan believes it will give Warriors options next season.

Ryan said: “It gives us more flexibility around Ben Howard, Chris Pennell, Cooper Vuna, Tom Biggs and Sam Smith and I think it’s a real opportunity for him. Bryce is 6ft 4ins and that’s a significant presence in any team.”

He added: “I think it shows we are now a credible club for people who want to come and play. I think it becomes contagious.

“Being in the Premiership is a huge part of that but for us to attract players like this when we’re outside the Premiership, shows our reputation is starting to come out.”