WING Dean Hammond has signalled his intentions to stay at Worcester Warriors after admitting the arrival of “fiery” director of rugby Alan Solomons had helped to make up his mind.

With his contract set to expire at the end of this season, Hammond said talks were well under way with the club's bosses and he was hopeful of tying up a new deal “fairly soon”.

As the Worcester News reported in November, Northampton Saints were understood to be eyeing up a move for the South African.

But Hammond, who has scored six tries in 10 games this term, said he was keen to “stick around” and fight for a starting jersey next season.

“We are in negotiations at the moment so hopefully we will come to an agreement fairly soon,” Hammond said.

“It’s a positive environment and I am thoroughly enjoying it every time I get onto the pitch.

“I have got aspirations to certainly stick around so we are in the process of getting that sorted out.”

Hammond made his first start with fellow South African Solomons in charge last Saturday in Warriors’ 24-24 draw with Connacht in the European Challenge Cup.

But the explosive back insisted he was relishing working under the 67-year-old who replaced Gary Gold as boss in late December after a two-month stint as a consultant at the club.

Hammond said Solomons' “smooth” transition following Gold’s exit and “passionate” character led him to enter contract negotiations.

“Solly has been great,” Hammond sad.

“It’s great he has come in (as director of rugby) having had a lot of time with the guys beforehand.

“The guys have got to know him, his philosophy and how he coaches. They are certainly positive about him.

“He brings a good, fiery approach.

“He is passionate which is always positive in an environment like this. It’s a physical, aggressive game and people want to be passionate and motivated when they go onto the field.

“The fact he has come in so smoothly as well has definitely helped me with my decision and for me to want to enter in negotiations and speak to the club about it.

“I get along with him and have responded well to him since he has been here.”

Hammond joined Warriors’ academy from South Africa's Western Province in September 2013 before making his first-team debut against Wasps later that month.

Since then he has racked up 25 tries in 60 appearances, including a hat-trick in Worcester’s 45-37 Anglo-Welsh Cup defeat at Harlequins in November.

But Hammond, who is set to start at Brive on Saturday (2.30pm), has struggled to nail down his place in the side and said he was driven to win over Solomons.

“It’s great that the club has got competition from a team perspective but as a player of course you want to wear the starting jersey,” Hammond added.

“I will continue to do what I can. I showed on the weekend what I can do and the next time I get an opportunity I will show that’s where I should be.”