Warriors Under 18s had a testing start to their pre-season campaign against a strong Leinster Under 19 side at Malvern College yesterday.
The visitors ran in five tries to Warriors’ one from replacement Max Craven, with Josh Grimes converting, as they were beaten 36-7 by the Irish outfit.
The youngsters will travel to Ireland next week for a return clash on Wednesday 26 August as they gear up for the new campaign.
Academy Forwards Transition Coach Ceri Jones said: “It was a very good learning experience against a strong Leinster side.
“There were some positives as individuals put their hands up for next week with players like loosehead Nick Rigby, scrum-half Josh Nott and number-eight Ted Hill standing out.
“We have plenty to work on defensively and in attack we need to be more threatening. We need to address our depth and width.
“For a first hit-out of the season we’re reasonably pleased but we’ve got work to do ahead of next week’s return game.
“With the group we have this year I’m confident they can put things right.”