Boss Mike Ruddock is expecting Doncaster Knights to provide a stern pre-season test at Sixways Stadium tonight (kick-off 7.30pm) – and that is the perfect test of the debutants in the Worcester Warriors squad for the pre-season encounter.
Director of Rugby Ruddock is expected to hand senior debuts to a host of players with Academy ace James Freeman, rising scrum half star Ollie Frost and summer signing Adam Black all set to feature.
“We are looking forward to the game against Doncaster Knights,” said Ruddock. “They provided us with very physical opposition last season at Doncaster. I remember the game was tremendous up front with the Doncaster pack really getting stuck into us and I’m expecting more of the same.
“Doncaster have maintained a high standard in National One and have been there or thereabouts towards the top end of the table so it will be a big test for our younger players, particularly several of them who will start the game and also make their debuts.
“Players like James Freeman, who is a young Academy prospect at just 18 years old, will start the game. I saw James play for Bromsgrove School last season and he was quite outstanding. That convinced me to promote him to some first team training this season and he has impressed enough to have gained himself a start in Warriors colours.
“Adam Black will also make his debut, probably at the start of the second half, and I look forward to seeing Adam in a Warriors jersey. It will be the third club I have given him games for and I know he will be as enthusiastic as ever.”
Trialists George Dixon and Calum MacRae are also expected to start the game as Ruddock gives his senior squad a run out on home turf for the first time this campaign.
“George Dixon, an outside centre, who has been trailing with us for a number of weeks. He is a big strong centre who has played for Coventry so we are interested to see how he goes,” added Ruddock.
“Also Calum MacRae is going to start the game at full back. Calum is an experienced player having previously been captain of the Borders regional side and a Scotland A international. He has played a very high level, having gained Heineken Cup experience with Edinburgh, and was part of the Scotland squad in 2008. He has had a few injuries the last couple of years and so it will be good to see him back on the park and hopefully showing us what he can do.
“It will also be great to see long term injury victims like Sam Tuitupou (knee), Chris Latham (shoulder), Tevita Taumoepeau (shoulder) and Craig Gillies (groin) getting back on the park after time out. All will get game action against Doncaster.”
Tickets for tonight’s clash with Doncaster are proced at £5 with free entry to Season Ticket holders and Debentures. Call the Sixways Box Office on 01905 454183 for more details or purchase tickets on the night of the game.