CENTRE Jackson Willison will leave “big shoes to fill” at Worcester Warriors when he joins Aviva Premiership rivals Bath.

That’s the view of lock Darren Barry who described the New Zealander as “one of the most underrated players” in Warriors’ team.

Willison is among 15 first-team players who will be departing Worcester this summer after securing a move to Bath.

During his two seasons at Warriors the 29-year-old scored six tries in 45 appearances and started in all 23 of his outings this term.

But Barry believes Willison, who joined Worcester from Grenoble in the summer of 2016, does not get the “credit he deserves”.

“I think Jacko is probably one of the most underrated players in our team,” Barry said.

“He is probably up there with the most used players in our side this season when you consider the amount of times he has featured in Europe and the Anglo-Welsh Cup as well.”

Willison finished his two-year spell at Warriors in style as he struck twice in their 44-13 victory over Harlequins.

“It was great for Jacko to get a couple of tries and hopefully he gets the credit he deserves now,” Barry continued.

“The fans who don’t necessarily see the dirty work that he does can appreciate the skill level he has got.”

Following Willison’s decision to join Bath, Warriors bolstered their midfield for next season with the signings of Francois Venter and Ashley Beck.

Cheetahs captain Venter, 27, has won seven caps for South Africa and made more than 50 showings in Super Rugby.

Welsh ace Beck, 28, has chalked up the same amount of appearances for his country and featured over 130 times for Ospreys.

Barry added: “I don’t know much about centres as I just concentrate on the front five and what happens there.

“But Jacko has been such a positive figure in our team with what he says off the pitch and what he does on it.

“Whoever comes in has got some big shoes to fill and we wish him all the best down at Bath.”