WORCESTER Warriors' fan favourite Sam Lewis is ready to return to action again having had surgery on his shoulder earlier this year.

He has recovered quicker than expected following a grade four tear in his shoulder against Leicester Tigers back in February.

Lewis has struggled with injuries this season and has only played 159 minutes of rugby in the 2020/21 campaign.

Head coach Jonathan Thomas was full of admiration for the Worcester back-row forward and says he is looking forward to welcoming him back to competitive action.

"He is a quiet and unassuming guy but he's bloody tough and he punches well above his weight," said Thomas

"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog and that's what he is all about. He cares hugely for this club and we are looking forward to seeing him back on the pitch.

"People talk a lot about his defence and his low tackling and jackling but he's a really skilful player as well. He has good hands, good link up play, classic open side so it's great to see him back."

Thomas also recalled the slightly embarrassing moment he came across Lewis for the first time, back when they both played for Ospreys 11 years ago.

"I was an older player at the Ospreys when Sammy came through as a 19 year old and obviously he is not biggest forward in the world but he punches above his weight," said Thomas

"I remember one of our first ever training sessions together at Ospreys. We were doing full contact and I remember seeing this little academy player opposite me (Lewis) and I got the ball and just ran as hard as I could at him, thinking I could run through him and he came in low and put me on my backside and it was at that moment, 11 years ago, that I realised what he was capable of."

Thomas also revealed that there has been a fresh setback for team captain Matt Moulds, who suffered a hamstring injury in training last week in the build-up to the Harlequins clash and is now out for a few more weeks.

"Matt Moulds was due to be involved last week but he tweaked a hammy in training on Thursday," the head coach said.

"He is going to be out for a couple more weeks. It's bitterly disappointing for him and we were all looking forward to him being back in the team because he has been through a lot."