WARRIORS ace Duncan Weir believes playing Premiership rugby has improved his game ahead of an anticipated return to the Scotland team.

Weir is expected to start his first international for more than four years in the Autumn Nations Cup campaign against Italy on Saturday after injuries to Finn Russell and Adam Hastings.

The fly-half has a wealth of top-level experience, including two appearances at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and has 430 points from 47 matches for Worcester.

“In that first season at Worcester I felt that I was playing good rugby and that I’d cemented myself in the team," said Weir.

“My goal going into each weekend was to enjoy myself and on the back of that I was playing some good stuff. Maybe after a couple of games, that was the moment when I realised this approach to playing worked for me. Enjoying yourself is no bad thing.

“There’s no time to switch off – every game is massive for the club. I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of going to big clubs like Leicester and Bath on a regular basis and playing against unbelievable opposition. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it, and it’s been nice for me personally to get a run of games and prove my worth.”

Weir, who moved to Sixways from Edinburgh, made a late cameo in Scotland’s win over France in March, but hasn’t featured in their post-lockdown victories over Georgia or Wales.

If he is named in the team when it’s announced by head coach Gregor Townsend tomorrow (Wednesday), Weir will relish the chance to pull on the dark blue jersey again.

“I’m hugely passionate to play for my country,” he added.

“It’s been a rollercoaster ride the last three years, between my last cap and this one. It’s been a big journey, but I’d do it all again.”

Weir also praised his Worcester team-mate Cornell du Preez for fighting back from a career-threatening injury to represent his country.

“Cornell is an immense player,” said Weir.

“I can only envy how physical he is. When he steps forward onto the pitch he gives himself to the team for those 80 minutes, both with his defence and his ball-carrying abilities. He’s been in tremendous form for us at Worcester and I’m delighted he’s representing Scotland alongside me and representing the club as well.”