As the season comes to a close for the team on the pitch a new season is beginning in the hop yards of Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The hops that go into the great Greene King beers on offer at Sixways are just starting to break winter dormancy as the spring weather warms the soil.
This has been the first season that Greene King has become the Official Brewery Partner of Worcester Warriors and it has certainly added to the beer drinkers’ enjoyment when visiting Sixways.
The beers have been available in the bars around the ground and also in the beer festival atmosphere in the Warriors Coliseum where up to ten beers are on offer at any one time.
Head Brewer of Greene King, John Bexon, in conjunction with Season Ticket holder and hop merchant Paul Corbett of Charles Faram & Co Ltd, source hops from many local farms for their best-selling beers.
The main varieties that go into the beers are Pilgrim and First Gold. Both are traditionally-flavoured strong local varieties.
Bexon, who will be at the ground for tomorrow's match, is delighted with the link to local farms and very proud of the association with Worcester Warriors.
He said: “I have been to the ground to watch games over the last five seasons and was delighted to hear that our beers would be available for Warriors fans to enjoy.”
Local farmer Simon Parker from Munderfield, near Bishops Frome, grows Pilgrim hops for Greene King and he was delighted to hear the news that the beers would be available at Sixways.
Simon and his two sisters Hannah and Fiona are also Season Ticket holders and regularly enjoy the game with a pint or two of Abbott Ale.
The hops will be harvested in September just in time for another season of top-class beer and rugby at Sixways.
Brian Ryan, Head of Operations at Warriors, added: “When making any decision regarding improving our food and drink offering, we always look to source locally in the first instance.
“Our Official Brewery Partner, Greene King, source many of the hops that go into their beers from Hereford and Worcester Hop Farms.
“We are pleased to be able to support our local businesses and, although Greene King beers are not brewed locally, the vital ingredients that go into them are grown on our doorstep.”
Green King Real Ales are available on all public bars and the Warriors Coliseum will be serving a wide selection during every home match.