Former Warriors and Gloucester Rugby star Thinus Delport admits he’s looking forward to stepping out on the field this Saturday as he leads a Rugby Aid XV against an Army Masters side on the Weston’s Pitches at Sixways (kick-off 11.45am).
A host of ex-Warriors and Gloucester stars will be playing for the Rugby Aid side in the charity bash, ahead of the big Aviva Premiership encounter between the local rivals on the main Sixways pitch at 2pm.
And former Sixways favourite Delport said: “I’m very excited to be back playing in Worcester and alongside some old teammates.
“A lot of the boys haven’t even seen trainers in a while so it’ll be good to see how we get on!
“As soon as you step out on the field though it soon comes rushing back and the adrenaline gets pumping so I’m sure it’ll be a cracking afternoon of rugby.
“It’s a great warm-up for the Warriors game and a chance to make a big day out of it with England vs Wales after.”
The charity match will raise money for Rugby For Heroes, a cause in which Delport is an ambassador and also a facilitator for the ‘R4H Transition Through Rugby’ course.
He explained: “The course focuses on the transition for military personnel leaving the services and going into civilian life.
“They get coaching qualifications and also look at the corporate side of how a rugby club is run so it’s about giving them the confidence to go into their clubs and communities where they can start building and helping themselves and their families with the transition to civilian life.”
Ahead of Warriors’ clash with Gloucester on Saturday which follows the Rugby Aid game, former Springbok Delport praised the influence of Warriors’ current South African contingent who have helped the side pick-up vital wins in recent weeks.
He stated: “They’ve all really made a difference. Francois Hougaard has impressed and he’ll be hoping he can press for selection for the Springboks.
“GJ van Velze is one of those guys that leads by example. He puts his body on the line and has the respect of the team.
“It’s a tough competition where Warriors find themselves and I’ve been there. But they are still united and playing for each other and credit to GJ and the whole team who have bought into the culture. Everyone has really taken on a positive attitude and it’s great to see them picking up results.
“I’m also glad I’ve got a couple more guys near me that I can enjoy a braai and some biltong with!”
During his time at Warriors, Delport made over 100 appearances and reflected on some of his most cherished moments at Sixways.
He recalled: “One of the best moments during my time would have been when we beat Northampton to stay up on the last day of the 2005 season.
“But one of the most memorable also has to be when we beat Gloucester for the first time ever and I scored a try in the corner. I’ve got many fond memories from my time at Sixways.”
And with his former sides set to lock horns on Saturday, Delport insists he can’t pick a winner.
He added: “It’ll be a typical derby game. Warriors have come so close a number of times this season but up front will be the big challenge and both sides possess backs that can be very dangerous.
“Gloucester will be coming up the M5 with a lot of confidence but it would be great for Warriors to get one over their rivals.
“I can’t pick a team. I’ve got lots of friends at both clubs where I’ve had some great times so I’m hoping for an entertaining one for the spectators!”
You can see Thinus and more rugby legends in action at Weston’s on Saturday for £5 per person on the gate, with all proceeds going to Rugby For Heroes.
Meanwhile, tickets for Warriors v Gloucester are available by clicking here, calling 01905 459309 or visiting the Warriors Ticket Office.