HE may have lost some of his pace but Nick Baxter has lost none of his love of rugby.

The 34-year-old, who has had a glittering career with Worcester and Pertemps Bees, was back at Kings Norton on Saturday, helping the Hopwood-based side to a vital league victory.

His class and power were there for all to see as he repeatedly thundered through the opposition lines finally being rewarded with a debut try.

"I've always intended returning to the club where I started and putting something back into the game," Baxter explained.

"I have had trouble with my knees over the past few seasons and this is probably the last season I will be able to play so I want to make the most of it."

Work commitments will mean the former Barbarian will only be available for home games while his inability to train will see him starting games on the bench.

But his input at Kings Norton will not be restricted to the playing field.

"I've always wanted to get into schools and spread the rugby message," he explained. "There are plenty more Nick Baxters out there, we just need to find them and encourage them."

Baxter joined Worcester from Kings Norton back in 1994 when he was still at university.

He spent seven glorious years at Sixways, helping climb the divisions to the brink of the Premiership - he moved on to Pertemps Bees the year before Worcester reached the top flight.

Baxter, who has his own wine company, spent five years with the Solihull side before having one season with Stourbridge.

He still holds the record for scoring the most league tries - an incredible 157.