SCRUM-half Jonny Arr has saluted the “great” capture of Andy Short and believes it’s a sign of intent from Worcester Warriors.

The former Worcester Sixth Form College student is returning to Sixways next season after scoring 18 tries in 42 appearances since joining Bristol two years ago.

After Short’s decision to sign for Warriors emerged, Bristol’s director of rugby Andy Robinson said the 23-year-old would not be allowed to join in training sessions or team meetings, let alone play for the Ashton Gate club again.

Arr, who was also born in Worcester, said: “I think Andy is a great signing for the club — he went away for his reasons and it was a good choice for him.

“He’s gone to Bristol and improved ten-fold as a player which we saw in the first game of the season when he scored a good try in the corner.

“Andy is exactly the type of player we want around at the club — he’s still young, is home-grown and cares about this place. He would have been gutted to leave Worcester when he did but he’s got an opportunity to come back and start a new chapter.”

Warriors will be reunited with another old face today when they face Doncaster Knights at Sixways in the Championship.

Ex-Warriors coach Clive Griffiths is director of rugby at Doncaster, who lost 32-16 at home to Worcester in September.

Doncaster are second-from-bottom in the Championship but, like Warriors, are in the hat for tomorrow’s draw for the British and Irish Cup semi-finals.

“I worked under Clive for a few years when I started at Worcester and he’s a really knowledgeable chap,” said Arr, 26.

“He did a lot with Wales under Mike Ruddock and won a Grand Slam. I have already faced him twice this season.

“Once when we played Doncaster away and also when I was involved in the Championship XV because he ran the defence for Canada.

“Doncaster have had a slow start but they are starting to come good and Clive will come to Worcester with a bit of momentum.”

Meanwhile, Warriors have launched their latest junior academy centre at Warwick School.