LOYAL scrum-half Jonny Arr admits his “love affair” with Worcester Warriors keeps him “coming back for more” as he closes in on joining an elite club.

The number nine who is born and raised in Worcester is just one game away from becoming the third Warriors player to reach 200 appearances.

Only lock Craig Gillies (288) and prop Tony Windo (222) have played more times for Warriors than Arr who is tied on 199 games with centre Dale Rasmussen. Full back Chris Pennell is just behind him on 197.

Arr said it was his “dream” to play for his boyhood club and admitted he was pinching himself that he was still in the team.

“It has been a long, old journey but this is a place where I have always wanted to play my rugby - deep down I am just a fan,” said the 29-year-old.

“It would be a huge honour to reach the 200-milestone.

“I am trying not to think about it too much because given the injuries that I have had over the last few years the games have been slowly notching up, so I am cherishing every match that I get whether it is the 198th or the 200th.

“This was my dream to come and play here and being in an environment now where we are making real strides in our performances it is quite an exciting place to be.

“I am over the moon to still be here and hopefully I will be here for a bit longer.”

Asked whether he had ever considered leaving Warriors, Arr said: “I have thought about it but this is like a love affair and I just keep coming back for more.”

Arr joined Worcester’s minis and juniors section at seven years old before going on to progress through the youth ranks and make his first-team debut in 2007.

The former Royal Grammar School Worcester student has suffered a series of injury set-backs and faced stiff competition from the likes of internationals Shaun Perry and Francois Hougaard during his time at the club.

But Arr has continued to fight for his place and was thrust straight back into the starting line-up for Warriors’ clash with Gloucester after a long spell out with concussion.

His return to the side coincided with his testimonial day and marked it with a try in a 25-15 win over Worcester’s local rivals.

“It is a huge achievement (to still be at the club),” said Arr who is hoping to make his 200th outing for Worcester when they visit Sale Sharks on Saturday, March 24.

“I have to pinch myself to believe that I am on this journey.

“Chris is still here and is a great servant to this place so hopefully over time Warriors will create more players that start here as a youngster and play out their careers at the club.”