Captain calls for supporters to spur Warriors to promotion

GJ van Velze has issued a rallying cry to Warriors supporters ahead of the Greene King IPA Championship play-offs.

The Warriors captain has called for supporters to get behind the team for the four most important matches of the season to spur his side to promotion to the Aviva Premiership.

Van Velze said: “Our supporters have been remarkable this season. They’ve travelled to every corner of the country and over to Jersey and have been instrumental in getting us this far.

“We’re in the play-offs and we are all focused on ensuring we are successful in these next four games.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge and we need every supporter to cheer us on and give us that extra bit we need to get over the line and achieve our ambition of promotion.”

Warriors set a new Championship record for a non play-off game with their 10,795 attendance against Bristol Rugby last Saturday.

And, according to the Warriors skipper, the team will be looking to repay the supporters come May.

He continued: “We are all aware that promotion from the Championship is decided by the play-off matches so we must put the rest of the season to one side and start afresh.

“All the players are really excited and we’re hoping to see two big crowds at Sixways to really build the atmosphere.”

Van Velze will welcome former Northampton teammate Phil Dowson to Sixways this summer, while the likes of Bryce Heem, Tom Heathcote and Andy Short will also be joining Warriors.

And the South African believes Warriors are in a strong position to enjoy future success.

He added: “We’re in the early stages of a really exciting journey. Anyone can see how much progression our young side has made this season and we know we will be a successful Premiership side for years to come.

“The first stage is getting to the Premiership and that’s all we’re thinking about at the moment.”


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