It’s fair to say that upon hearing the European Challenge Cup groups, Clive Griffiths Warriors Head Coach was delighted and his excitement for the competition was hard to contain.
European Challenge Cup runners-up Warriors, seeded in tier two of the draw will face tough trips to Bourgoin, Petrarca Rugby and Bucuresti Oaks as they look to go one better in the campaign this time round and Griffiths thinks that everyone at Sixways believes that to be possible.
“You’ve got to aim for the top, we did that last year and look what we achieved. There’s no reason we can’t do it again and go one better, especially with the support that we have here at Sixways Stadium, together with the ever increasing band that travels away,” commented Clive Griffiths.
While the Warriors face trips to France, Italy and Romania, Griffiths was focused and dynamic.
“I am very confident about this draw and can’t wait to get it all underway. I feel we are in a very winnable group and if we come through as winners it should give us a great platform to progress to knock out stages and come back from last season’s heartbreak against Bath – and go one better! Even though we came ‘second,’ the competition as whole was good for us and helped turn our season around.”
“The lads know what we need to do, home advantage is crucial with every try and point vital in the long run. Rest assured we’ll be ready for this competition.”
The Head Coach went on to discuss what Warriors could expect from their pool three opponents.
“Top Tier opponents Bourgoin, are no slouches, they will be bitterly disappointed at missing out on the Heineken Cup having been a regular feature of that competition. With this in mind we will need to be very wary of them and wait to see what team turns up on the day. Our focus will be key, but it’s a fixture I am sure the Warriors faithful will be looking forward too.”
“Like all Italian teams, Petrarca will be a committed bunch and big, powerful opponents for us to deal with. Defiantly not one to underestimate, especially on their turf.”
“And lastly the return to Bucuresti. I would love to say I was looking forward to it, but after torrential rain mixed with sub zero temperatures and several players complaining they thought they had hyperthermia let’s say I’ll be packing the thermal underwear and a warm coat! But seriously, again they are a very strong and committed team which on their day can give anyone a tough match, as it turned out in Bucharest last season.”
“I look forward to facing them all this season,” closed Clive Griffiths.