Worcester Warriors will kick-off the 2008/2009 Guinness Premiership campaign with a huge clash at Franklin’s Gardens to face newly promoted Northampton Saints.
Warriors ended last season with a trip to Gloucester when they were narrowly beaten by Bath in the European Challenge Cup final. Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock and his team will now get the chance to return to action and keep the ball rolling in this sure to be heated fixture on the opening weekend of the season.
Warriors face two away trips at the start of the campaign as work continues on the redevelopment of Sixways Stadium before they entertain Leicester Tigers in the first game on home soil on the weekend of September 19/20/21.
Ruddock’s troops face home games with Bristol Rugby and Sale Sharks over the Christmas and New Year period and entertain champions London Wasps at the start of March.
Warriors will bring the curtain down on the season with a home clash to London Irish on April 25/26 April.
“The entire squad is looking forward to the season kicking off and it’s a very exciting fixture list for us,” said Ruddock.
“Starting with an away trip to Franklin’s Gardens to tackle newly promoted Northampton will be a fantastic occasion and real cracking way to start the new season. It is a difficult start for us as they are re-joining the top flight and will want to start their campaign flying high. They have recruited strongly and they will be determined to learn from their last season in the Premiership, however we will take a lot of confidence forward from last season and we will also be looking to hit the ground running.”
“Our first home clash is a mouth watering one against Leicester Tigers, a team never to be underestimated as they showed last season by making the final after been written off. We will be aiming to set the tone on home soil once again. It’s a tough start for us with two away games but also a very exciting one.”
Worcester Warriors – 2008/2009 Fixture List
Round 1
5/6/7 September – Northampton Saints v Worcester Warriors
Round 2
12/13/14 September – London Wasps v Worcester Warriors
Round 3
19/20/21 September – Worcester Warriors v Leicester Tigers
Round 4
26/27 September – Bath Rugby v Worcester Warriors
Round 5
Wed 1 October – Worcester Warriors v Harlequins
Round 6
14/15/16 November – Sale Sharks v Worcester Warriors
Round 7
21/22/23 November – Worcester Warriors v Newcastle Falcons
Round 8
28/29/30 November – Saracens v Worcester Warriors
Round 9
19/20/21 December – Worcester Warriors v Bristol Rugby
Round 10
26/27/28 December – Newcastle Falcons v Worcester Warriors
Round 11
2/3/4 January – Worcester Warriors v Sale Sharks
Round 12
9/10/11 January – Harlequins v Worcester Warriors
Round 13
13/14/15 February – Worcester Warriors v Bath Rugby
Round 14
20/21/22 February – Leicester Tigers v Worcester Warriors
Round 15
27/28 Feb, 1 March – Worcester Warriors v London Wasps
Round 16
6/7/8 March – Worcester Warriors v Northampton Saints
Round 17
13/14/15 March – London Irish v Worcester Warriors
Round 18
20/21/22 March – Worcester Warriors v Gloucester Rugby
Round 19
27/28/29 March – Bristol Rugby v Worcester Warriors
Round 20
3/4/5 April – Worcester Warriors v Saracens
Round 21
17/18/19 April – Gloucester Rugby v Worcester Warriors
Round 22
25/26 April – Worcester Warriors v London Irish