EX-WORCESTER Warriors flanker Carl Kirwan expects forward “beast” Michael Fatialofa to be “deadly” in the 2019-20 campaign.

Lock Fatialofa made 13 appearances for Worcester in a debut season that was punctuated by injuries.

Following his arrival at Sixways last November the New Zealander had to wait until mid-December before making his Warriors bow due to a knee problem.

This was then followed by injuries to his back and shoulder that forced Fatialofa to miss matches in the second half of the Gallagher Premiership season.

Kirwan said his former team-mate was “frustrated” by how last term panned out and was desperate to show his true colours this season.

“I know Michael wants to go out this year and stamp his mark because he felt like he didn’t show himself in a great light last season,” Kirwan said.

“For someone of his calibre to say that is always positive.

“He is very driven for the season ahead and looking forward to it.”

Fatialofa, who joined Warriors on a two-year deal from Super Rugby outfit Blues, scored his first try for Worcester in the season-ending victory over Saracens.

“I am expecting a big season from him,” said Kirwan who left Warriors this summer after four years at the club.

“When I spoke to him recently he was motivated to get out there again.

“He was frustrated that he took a bit of time to get into the swing of things in the Premiership last year.

“But I think that’s pretty normal for any Southern Hemisphere player coming over here.

“From what people did see of Michael he showed he is a big, physical boy with a really good skill-set as well so I think he could be deadly this year.”

Kirwan also reckons the long pre-season will do Fatialofa the power of good after a busy 2018.

Last year saw the 26-year-old play in the Super Rugby with Blues, Mitre10 Cup with Auckland and the Premiership with Warriors.

“He would always welcome a break as he is a typical South Sea Islander!” Kirwan joked.

“He played loads of rugby last year. He probably did too much but the big thing is the change between Super Rugby and the Premiership.

“The Premiership is a lot more physical and a territorial game whereas Super Rugby is much more skilful and a little bit faster and more elusive.

“Once he settled down into that, as you saw at the end of last season, he showed he is a bit of a beast.”