Triple bill of internationals at Sixways

International rugby will be coming to Worcester Warriors with Sixways Stadium hosting a triple billing of games in February 2011.

It will be ‘Super Sunday’ on February 27 with the 2010 Women’s Rugby World Cup finalists, England, and the England Under 20s men and women’s teams all in action against their French counterparts at Sixways Stadium.

England Women will be in Worcester to defend their RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam crown against France who finished fourth in this year’s Rugby World Cup. France pushed England all the way last season in the Six Nations, with England edging an 11-10 victory, so the encounter is set to be a thriller.

“The recent women’s rugby world cup exposed more people than ever to women’s rugby and through working with the RFU and Worcester we now have a fantastic opportunity to take the Six Nations on the road and again get the game out there to as many people as possible,” said Nicola Ponsford, the RFUW’s Head of Performance.

“France are always fantastic opposition and it will be a tremendously hard fought game. They took us to the wire last year in the Six Nations, coupled with their success in the world cup, I am sure this is going to be a really exciting encounter in front of a passionate rugby crowd.”

The England Under 20s men – that could include home-grown stars Andy Short and Matt Kvesic – will also be in the middle of their Under 20 RBS 6 Nations campaign against a French side no doubt keen to avenge the 47-33 defeat England imposed on them in the 2010 competition.

The contest is one new head coach Rob Hunter is relishing. He said: “The French always provide a tough test regardless of what level you play them at – they are a great rugby nation and I’m sure that they’ll be full of spirit, adventure and skill.

“There’s a lot of talent in our squad and the players are always looking to develop their game further, so we’ll be looking to utilise that and produce a good performance in front of our own fans.”

And finally, England Women U20s will be playing their first international of the season to round up a magnificent day of international rugby at the Championship club.

Charlie Little, General Manager at Worcester Warriors, added: “We are absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to host the England Under-20s and England Women Under-20s and England Women seniors at Sixways.

“What makes Sixways different to every other venue in the country is that we have a dedicated rugby centre with a purpose built stadium for top class rugby, excellent training facilities and five full size pitches which will allow all three England teams to compete here on one special day.

“We have always wanted Worcester to be a rugby city and these games are further evidence of that development in what promises to be a very special day for Warriors. We now want people across the region and country to join us and show their support for rugby and all three England sides.”

All kick off times will be confirmed in due course and full pricing details will be available on www.warriors.co.uk when announced.


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