Super Six set for Warriors debut
Aug
Head Coach Richard Hill has handed out six full league debuts for Worcester Warriors as the club launches its RFU Championship campaign against Birmingham & Solihull at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
Summer signings Alex Crockett, Rob Higgitt and Tom Arscott all start in the back division as the Warriors look to start the season in explosive fashion on home soil.
Scotland international prop Bruce Douglas and dynamic hooker Ed Shervington are both named in the front row while the experienced Adam Balding will also feature in a new-look pack.
Young duo Jonny Arr and Joe Carlisle will combine at half backs, after impressing throughout pre-season, while Kai Horstmann will skipper the side from the back row.
Hill selects arguable the strongest bench in Worcester history with six full internationals among the replacements. Fly half Andy Goode, scrum half Andy Williams and flanker Neil Best are among the new faces who could feature from the bench.
“Every Warrior on the field against Birmingham & Solihull fully deserves his spot after pre-season,” said Hill.
“Selection throughout this season will be very much based on form and fitness, regardless of the reputation or experience of any player.
“I want huge competition for every jersey and I want to see the team look lively, fast and athletic. This season, as we build towards the play-offs, we must rotate the squad so every time the fans see the team in action it is full of people desperate to stay in the side.
“The players who are not involved will be bitterly disappointed, but already keen to get back involved and get out on the field to show what they can do.”
Tickets remain on sale for the RFU Championship opener at Sixways. To watch Warriors tackle Birmingham & Solihull call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 or visit the online ticketing page at www.warriors.co.uk
Warriors vs Birmingham & Solihull
15 Tom Arscott
14 Marcel Garvey
13 Alex Crockett
12 Rob Higgitt
11 Miles Benjamin
10 Joe Carlisle
9 Jonny Arr
1 Callum Black
2 Ed Shervington
3 Bruce Douglas
4 Will Bowley
5 Craig Gillies
6 Kai Horstmann (c)
7 Jake Abbott
8 Adam Balding
Replacements
16 Aleki Lutui
17 Tevita Taumoepeau
18 Graham Kitchener
19 Neil Best
20 Andy Williams
21 Andy Goode
22 Dale Rasmussen
