New signing Rico Gear will make his long-awaited debut for Worcester Warriors in the European Challenge Cup against GRAN Parma at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (December 8).
New Zealand international Gear, the biggest signing in the club’s long history, arrived in Worcester this week and has been handed a starting shirt at centre for the clash with the Italians.
Wing wonder Gear is joined by fellow All Blacks star Greg Rawlinson in a powerful line-up named by Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock.
South African international Thinus Delport returns to the starting line-up after missing the London Irish game last weekend and Shane Drahm is handed the fly half jersey.
Tongan front row duo Aleki Lutui and Tevita Taumoepeau return alongside Matt Mullan and man mountain Craig Gillies will play alongside Rawlinson at lock.
Pat Sanderson will lead the side from the back row alongside Netani Talei and Kai Horstmann.
Samoa star Loki Crichton is named on the replacements bench after recovering from injury but countryman Dominic Feaunati misses out with a minor leg injury.
In a late change, virus victim Darren Morris is replaced on the bench by summer signing Shaun Ruwers.
Warriors v GRAN Parma
15 Chris Pennell
14 Marcel Garvey
13 Rico Gear
12 Mark Tucker
11 Thinus Delport
10 Shane Drahm
9 Matt Powell
1 Matt Mullan
2 Aleki Lutui
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Greg Rawlinson
5 Craig Gillies
6 Netani Talei
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann
16 Shaun Ruwers
17 Chris Fortey
18 Will Bowley
19 Drew Hickey
20 Jonny Arr
21 Loki Crichton
22 Miles Benjamin
* Tickets are still available to watch Rico’s big debut! Call the Ticket Office today on 0870 990 5650 or visit http://www.wrfc.co.uk/ and click on the Ticket Office section.
* Be coached by the Warrior All Blacks – Rico Gear, Sam Tuitupou and Greg Rawlinson – through Warriors Premier Rugby Academy, supported by npower. Back at Sixways Stadium – January 3rd & 4th – Ages 6 to 16 – Only £50 per person. To book a place on this exclusive camp simply book online by CLICKING HERE or contact the Warriors Community Team.