Worcester Warriors
Fri, 09 May 2008 10:08
Club Details
Sixways Stadium
Pershore Lane
Worcester
WR3 8ZE
Stadium Capacity: 8,328
Website: www.wrfc.co.uk
Founded: 1871
- 2007/8 Season Preview -
Last time around: A nail-biting final day episode ensured Worcester remained in the top flight for another season. Despite finishing three places below their previous year's efforts, the late form of John Brain's men was highly impressive. Led by captain Pat Sanderson, they dominated their opposition - winning their final four matches of the season - thus condemning Northampton to relegation.
This time? Worcester will be looking to build on last season's late form and secure a berth in the 2008/09 Heineken Cup. There is also the strong possibility of European Challenge Cup success with with some excellent recruitment over the off-season vastly improving their chances. A change of coach may also freshen up the Warriors with former Wales boss Mike Ruddock taking the reigns at Sixways.
Coach: Worcester will have a new face in charge with Mike Ruddock handed the job of turning the Warriors into a top-half team. And with the frantic business carried out this summer, that seems a realistic possibilty!
Captain: A shining light for Worcester last season, Pat Sanderson has emerged as a Sixways favourite and can count himself very unlucky not to be on the plane for France with England. His tireless grafting ability and general link play in the loose make him one of the best back-rowers in the game.
One to watch: Worcester have completed possibly the two transfers of the summer in Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou. And the arrival of Rico Gear , a New Zealand try-scoring machine has already increased season ticket sales (even though he is in France with the All Blacks)! The Warriors surely won't be repeating any of last season's great escapes, will they?
Final 2007/8 league position prediction: 7th
skybet.com prediction (04/9): 33-1 to finish first
In: Rico Gear (Canterbury Crusaders), Loci Crichton (Newcastle Falcons), Sam Tuitupou (Auckland Blues), Shaun Ruwers (Bath), Netani Talei (Doncaster), Greg Rawlinson (Auckland Blues).
Out:
Colours: Navy blue and yellow
Tickets: £11 - 22
Travel connections: Worcester's ground lies a short drive from the M5 motheavy, and it may better to take advantage of the park and walk or park and ride services offered. Worcester's rail station is a small one and is some way away from the ground, and the nearest airport is Bristol.
