NEW Worcester Warriors signing Richard Palframan wants to follow in the footsteps of fellow South Africa-born tighthead prop Nick Schonert by making a name for himself in the Gallagher Premiership.

The duo both came through the ranks at Durban-based Sharks before opting to pursue a professional career in England.

While Palframan battled for a front-row spot at London Irish, Schonert quickly established himself as Warriors’ first-choice tighthead.

Schonert, 27, is now closing in on winning his first England cap after another impressive season in the Premiership.

Palframan, 25, arrives at Sixways from Championship side London Scottish this summer after penning a one-year deal and is looking forward to measuring himself against Schonert who has clocked up more than 100 appearances for Warriors.

“I don’t know if he remembers me but I certainly remember him from when I was at the Sharks,” Palframan said.

“He was a few years above me but just watching him come over here and do so well and push for that spot in the England team has been really good to see.

“He is a good quality player. He is a starting Premiership tighthead so that is who you want to measure yourself against.

“Anyone coming from South Africa and making a name for themselves here is great and that is what I am trying to do as well. It is happening more and more now.

“It is unfortunate for South African rugby to lose such quality talent but it is good to see guys like me who have not played provincial rugby come over here and look to make a name for themselves.”

Palframan was born in East London, South Africa, but is England-qualified having joined Irish at the age of 18.

He is not the only new player contesting Warriors’ number three jersey next season. Conor Carey is making the move from Connacht to join Palframan, Joe Morris, Farai Mudariki and Schonert in a five-way tussle for the shirt.

But Palframan is used to fierce competition having learned his trade under the tutelage of New Zealand’s double-winning World Cup prop Ben Franks at Irish.

“Ben is a man of few words but when he responds to any question you have it is very thought out and he gets down to the point,” Palframan said.

“It was awesome to work with him as he is very technical.

“He has got a whole book of processes. Even if you just take a few things from him it can really help you.

“It was massive for me.

“This is high-level rugby so you have got to have big squads, especially in such an important position.

“Competition can only be a good thing with guys pushing each other.

“I am really excited to push guys week in week out.”

On his own attributes, Palframan added: “As a tighthead you have got to be able to scrum.

“That is a given especially at this level. If you can’t scrummage you won’t make it.

“But I also like to get my hands on the ball and carry.

“I think I have got pretty good hands but at the end of the day scrummaging is the main thing.”