Worcester Warriors have today announced the club’s pre-season schedule ahead of the return to the Aviva Premiership – that includes a double header against West Country talent from the RFU Championship.
Warriors are set to tackle Australian Super 15 giants the Melbourne Rebels at Sixways on Monday, August 15 before hitting the road on Saturday, August 20 to face Plymouth Albion (kick-off 5.30pm).
The match will take place at Brickfields and could see Sixways newcomers Sione Tu’ipulotu, Ben Gulliver and George Porter face their former club.
Three days later the Warriors will once again be in action away from home as the team makes the short journey to face Stourbridge RFC (kick-off TBC).
The final game of a four-match warm-up period will see Warriors back on home soil as they face Cornish Pirates on Saturday, August 27 (kick-off 5pm). The game will form part of the club’s annual ‘Warriors Open Day’ with FREE admission to all supporters.
The club’s annual Open Day is a special day in the Sixways calendar as the doors are flung open to everyone with FREE admission to celebrate the forthcoming campaign.Further details of the Open Day will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We are very excited and pleased by the pre-season fixture list we have lined up,” said Head Coach Richard Hill.
“The game with the Rebels will get our pre-season off with a bang and ensure nobody is coasting along. We have eight weeks of pre-season before we go straight into the Rebels and a really big test.
“It is good that we get that test and jolt early on. There is no point waiting for the first game of the Aviva Premiership season to get a shock. We want top class opposition first up so we know the standards we have to hit.
“Pirates and Plymouth will provide excellent opposition from the RFU Championship. Pirates gave us tough games throughout last season and I am delighted we face they on the eve of our return to the top-flight. That is a real challenge.
“I have a good relationship with Plymouth Albion, though my dealings with Graeme Dawe, and going to Brcikfields will be tough. He will have them revved up to go full throttle at us.
“I am keen to keep up strong relationships with teams like them in the RFU Championship. We have signed players from both teams and that is a two-way process. Some of our players may require spells on loan and regular rugby and so working closely with sides from the RFU Championship is important to us.”
For Season Ticket packages for the 2011/12 season call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or visit www.warriors.co.uk