NEW Zealander Matt Moulds revealed the opportunity to explore his family’s roots in Britain enticed him to come to Worcester Warriors.

The hooker is in line to make his Warriors debut at Castres on Saturday having recovered from a knee injury sustained in pre-season training that required surgery.

Moulds was born and brought up in the Kaipara District before going on to play for local provincial side Northland and then Auckland-based Blues.

But the 28-year-old has never forgotten where his descendants came from.

His grandfather is a former police officer from the east of England while his dad was born in Northern Ireland before moving to the other side of the world.

Moulds said he had always been intrigued by his family history so jumped at the chance to connect with his heritage when Warriors approached him over a move this summer.

“I have a bit of heritage this way,” said Moulds on why he joined Warriors.

“My dad was born in Belfast and my grandfather was English. He was a police officer back in the day and my nan is Irish.

“They met in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) of all places, settled in Belfast and had a few kids in the 1970s.

“It became very hectic in Belfast so they moved to Australia for a couple of years.

“They didn’t enjoy the flies and the heat so they ended up in New Zealand!

“I have always been proud of the heritage that I have over this side of the world.

“I was always keen to come and play here at some point so this is a really exciting time for me.”

Moulds made his Northland debut in 2013 and by 2015 earned the title of captain.

That same year he represented Blues for the first time in Super Rugby.

The front rower, who stands at 6ft 2in and weighs 16st 12lbs, earned 31 caps during his time at Blues but is now relishing the opportunity to pack down in the Gallagher Premiership.

“There are a few boys back home that have done it and talking to them you get a sense that it is a pretty awesome competition to be a part of,” Moulds said.

“Growing up in New Zealand, you think (Super Rugby) is the be-all and end-all of rugby. That’s all you know as we are sort of isolated down the bottom of the world.

“You don’t know too much about the rest of the world.

“I have seen this move as an opportunity to come over here, grow my game, travel the world and meet people.

“It’s going to be awesome.”

Moulds is not the only player to make the switch from New Zealand to Sixways.

Lock Michael Fatialofa made the transition last year before back Melani Nanai and scrum-half Jono Kitto followed suit this summer.

Moulds said he also got in touch with ex-Warriors star and fellow countryman Bryce Heem before joining Worcester.

“I have spent five years with Melani at the Blues and played a bit of under 18s down in Christchurch with Jono plus the Mitre10 Cup at Northland,” Moulds said.

“I met Fats as well when he was back in New Zealand and I asked him a bit about Warriors.

“I also know Bryce who had been here before so he was a good person to ask about the place as well.

“It always makes it an easier transition having people that you know here.”