WORCESTER Warriors returned to pre-season training this week and centre Alex Grove insists players can expect to be working extra hard this summer.

After four weeks off, Grove linked-up with his team-mates on Monday as Warriors bid to get in the best possible shape ahead of the 2014/15 season.

Grove said: "The first couple of days have involved thorough testing. They get us in, give us a screening and see where we are. It's like an MOT for your body.

"We've been undergoing strength testing in the gym and we've done anaerobic rowing and running tests. Training will then be based around those results and there will be a lot more hard work to come."

With High Performance Director Nick Johnston overseeing the players' health and fitness, Grove admits players will have to go the extra mile during this pre-season campaign.

But if the Warriors players can meet the demands of the backroom staff, the Scotsman believes it will pay dividends by the start of the new season.

He continued: "The early assessments give the backroom staff an idea of where players are. From now on they'll really start ramping it up. There will be a few sore bodies this weekend.

"Nick is very clear with the standards he expects from players and members of staff. He sets the bar high and if you meet those expectations you'll do well.

"If you fall below par then serious questions will be asked because, as a team, you can't have people who don't pull their weight."

With 17 new faces joining the club this summer, the centre insists he is excited ahead of the new campaign.

He concluded: "There are a lot of new faces at Sixways and there will be a lot of competition for places this season.

"It's a competitive environment but there is a lot of camaraderie between players so it is a good place to be. We're all really positive about the season ahead."

Meanwhile, Warriors have confirmed that back-rower Cam Goodhue has joined London Welsh.

The Kiwi forward, who was once part of the Auckland Blues set-up and featured for Northland, made four first-team appearances for Worcester after moving to Sixways last summer.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan said: "I would like to thank Cam for his efforts during his time at Sixways and I wish him well for the future."