IN-FORM centre Ashley Beck says he is “glad” he left Wales for Worcester Warriors and hopes to prolong his Sixways stay.

After an injury-hit first season at the club Beck has established himself as a mainstay in Warriors’ midfield.

The ex-Wales international has started in Worcester’s opening five Gallagher Premiership matches, helping them to climb to fourth in the table.

Neath-born Beck will now return to Wales when Warriors visit Newport-based Dragons in the European Challenge Cup on Friday (8pm).

But the 29-year-old does not see himself moving back to his homeland anytime soon as he continues to enjoy life in England.

“I left Wales because of injuries and I wanted to start a fresh,” Beck said.

“It didn’t quite go to plan in that first year, but this year is going well and I am glad I made that decision as I have made lifelong friends here.

“It is a great place to be.

“It reminds me of Aberavon, the (Welsh) Premiership club that I played for, as there is a family feel to it.

“There is a link between the fans and the players, so it is a nice club to be a part of.”

Beck came through the ranks at Ospreys before going on to make more than 100 appearances for the Welsh region.

But after speaking to coach Mefin Davies and flanker Sam Lewis Beck decided to make the move across the border.

“I spoke to Mef and Sam as they were at Ospreys for a while and they both spoke highly of Warriors,” Beck said.

“Sixways was where I played my first Wales under 18s game against England so there were just a few little things that triggered stuff off.

“It was like it was meant to be, so I decided to give it a go.

“Knowing my wife is comfortable and happy here makes life easier too.”

Beck is out of contract at the end of the season and hopes his performances will warrant a new deal.

“I would love (to be here long-term) but it’s a case of whether the club wants you at the end of the year,” Beck said.

“At the moment all I want to do is just play rugby. If I had played all of last season it might be a little bit different.

“But at the minute it’s about playing rugby, enjoying it and coming home to everyone smiling.

“Last year I could not have done much about (the broken leg), so I did not have too many frustrations.

“If had I had gone home moaning about an injury that I would come back from while my (pregnant) partner was carrying our child I would have had it in both ears.

“It was a case of getting on with it.

“I am doing something I love so you have to enjoy it as much as you can.”