Worcester fans devastated to see 'brilliant' Heem leave

After days of intensifying rumours, Worcester have announced that winger Bryce Heem will be leaving the club at the end of the season. While it is not confirmed, it is expected that he will move to Toulon in the Top 14.

As expected, Worcester fans are hugely disappointed to seem Heem leave, as he has arguably been their best player over the past three years.

Heem arrived at Sixways in 2015 from Super Rugby outfit the Chiefs, and since then has become a pivotal member of the Warriors team. He has averaged almost a try every two games since arriving at Worcester, which is a remarkable turnover, particularly for a team that are not dominating English rugby.

However, it is not just tries that makes him such an important player to Alan Solomons’ team, but his general solidity and constant threat with ball in hand. This is what has made him a favourites amongst Worcester fans, and why they do not want to see him leave.

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This is what they have had to say:

https://twitter.com/bigbev526/status/1100767943611297792
https://twitter.com/ScottBaileys/status/1100761826634149888
https://twitter.com/GH_Fowler/status/1100764710864150529
https://twitter.com/MattRaven1992/status/1100762026631147521
https://twitter.com/VicBowyer/status/1100774178066698241

Gives his all every game for the club and will be a huge loss to us both on and off the pitch. Another that goes with our highest regards and will have a positive impact on any club he plays in

— James Tyler? (@Tyler_avfc) February 27, 2019

It is clear that Heem is leaving the club on good terms, and there is no animosity from the fans. Furthermore, some fans do not blame the New Zealander for wanting to further his career, as it is an understandable option to test himself.

Although Toulon are not doing any better than Worcester this season, they have been one of the powerhouses of European rugby over the past decade, and the south coast of France may be a great place for Heem to showcase his talents next season when they have bounced back.

The fans are also wary that the Warriors struggle to keep some of their best players when interest from bigger clubs arises.

https://twitter.com/gshawisme/status/1100762392915595266

No matter what the club says we really struggle to keep hold of our best talent and this season is proving no different. If an attractive move is on the table then we struggle to “persuade them otherwise”

— Worcester Faithful (@WorcsFaithful) February 27, 2019

What does surprise some fans is the fact that Heem would go to Toulon (if that is to happen). After the negative press that the French club have received recently after president Mourad Boudjellal publicly lambasted Julian Savea, it does not seem to be the most desirable destination in Europe. Then again, with the wealth that Toulon have, they can still attract high quality players.

https://twitter.com/PaulTopham/status/1100760299299315712
https://twitter.com/KieranJMorris/status/1099954891836010496