LOCK James Percival admitted he was disappointed not to be able to say goodbye to Worcester Warriors' fans after joining French Top 14 outfit Grenoble.

The 31-year-old played a leading role in Warriors’ Championship play-off final triumph against Bristol last month.

Percival, who progressed through Warriors’ academy, admits he is sad leaving Sixways but excited about a new challenge.

He featured in Worcester’s last six games, including the play-off final legs against Bristol.

“Warriors have been a huge part of my life and the hardest thing is not being able to say goodbye to the fans,” said Percival, who played 88 times for Warriors.

“A lot of people asked me about my plans but my focus was purely on getting the club promoted.

“I was part of the squad which got relegated from the Premiership and I was never going to leave — I wanted to stay and help the club get back. Dean Ryan and I had not really discussed a new contract.

“I let Dean know my feelings and said the time was right for me to move on and I had my heart set on France.

“He supported me in my decision and we agreed it was my job to get on with things.

“I have spoken to a few of the lads at Worcester about my decision to leave but a lot of the lads don’t know about it because I haven’t seen them and I am not on Twitter or Facebook.”

Percival came through Worcester’s academy and was brought to the club by Luke Narraway’s dad Ian.

He grew frustrated at the lack of first-team opportunities, moving to Northampton and then to Harlequins, where he spent four years. He returned to Sixways in June 2011.

Percival made 17 appearances for Warriors last term — 12 in the Championship.

Speaking about his move to France, he said: “It excites me. I am going there and I know I need to prove myself.

“It’s a one-year deal but I think it’s enough time to show what I am capable of. There were other offers but I wanted to try something different.”