Head Coach Richard Hill has backed back row tyros Jake Abbott and Matt Kvesic to rise to the challenge of the Aviva Premeirship this season following the retirement of talismanic flanker Pat Sanderson.
Sanderson will appear on the pitch at Sixways prior to the opening game of the season with Sale Sharks on Saturday after recently announcing his retirement from professional rugby through injury.
Hill admits the loss of Sanderson was a disappointing to the Warriors, but insists the emergence of home-grown stars Kvesic and Abbott, plus the summer capture of Sam Betty from Cornish Pirates, means the squad will remain as strong.
“We have two young sevens at the club who have played very well in pre-season in Jake Abbott and Matt Kvesic,” he said.
“I think they are very mature for their age, particularly when you look at how old Matt Kvesic is. The way they will get better is by playing and when you have two young talented lads like that you play them.
“The same applies for Oliver Tomaszczyk at tighthead, to play against the sort of front row he came up against when we faced Argentina will make him better and better.
“These young lads have got to play and in a very short space of time will come through as excellent players.”
Watch Warriors launch the new Aviva Premiership season this Saturday at Sixways when Sale Sharks arrive! Call the Warriors Box Office during office hours on 01905 454183 or click HERE to buy online.