Lemi and Matavesi to play in J.P. Morgan 7s

Summer signings David Lemi and Josh Matavesi will both be in action for the first time for Worcester Warriors on Thursday night at Kingsholm in the final regional heat of the J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s.

Warriors have announced a strong squad to take on hosts Gloucester Rugby, Bath Rugby and Exeter Chiefs that will see Samoa captain Lemi and Fiji international Matavesi will both pull on a Worcester jersey for the first time.

Back row Jake Abbott will captain the team and is joined in the squad by fellow former England Sevens international Josh Drauniniu. Ireland ace Neil Best, Errie Claassens and fully fit former England Under-20s star Andy Short are also named in the 12-man squad.

Head Coach Richard Hill said: “We have picked a powerful line-up and a good mix of some experienced first team players and those that have played England Sevens, like Josh Drauniniu and Jake Abbott and David Lemi who has been on the Sevens circuit with Samoa.

“We have also selected one or two young lads from the Academy who will really enjoy being on a big stage like that in an important competition. For their development, it will be absolutely superb.

“Players like Joe Nellany and Ben Howard will be really excited about the prospect of playing in the J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s.”

Warriors Squad for J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s

1. Jake Abbott (c)
2. Ollie Hayes
3. Josh Drauniniu
4. David Lemi
5. Ollie Frost
6. Errie Claassens
7. Tom Carlisle
8. Josh Matavesi
9. Joe Nellany
10. Neil Best
11. Andy Short
12. Ben Howard


"We have picked a powerful line-up and a good mix of some experienced first team players and those that have played England Sevens, like Josh Drauniniu and Jake Abbott and David Lemi who has been on the Sevens circuit with Samoa…"

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