Director of Rugby Alan Solomons spoke to the media today ahead of Saturday’s Gallagher Premiership match against Bath Rugby and the return of supporters to Sixways.
Here’s what Alan had to say:
On having a crowd at Sixways for the first time since March 6
- It’s fantastic news and everyone, particularly the players, is very excited that we will have 2,000 people in here on Saturday.
- It will make a massive difference having some our supporters here again because without them there is no atmosphere.
- It’s a huge boost for the club and the boys are really looking forward to it because they have really missed playing in front of a crowd. Playing sports in empty grounds just isn’t the same, you can see that from Test Matches on TV.
- Before Saturday there will be a big clean-up from the staff on Wednesday to make sure that everything is spick and span for Saturday, so it is very much a huge effort from the whole club.
On the Bristol defeat
- The pivotal moment came midway through the second half when Tom Howe had a try disallowed, Bristol were awarded a scrum, followed by a penalty and from the maul we had a yellow card and then they scored.
On facing Bath
- We know that they will come out firing and nothing should be read into their first two results, particularly last week when they went to Exeter who are the champions of Europe and the Premiership champions.
- They are a very strong and powerful side and, like every match in this competition, it is going to be a tough battle.
On Oli Morris
- Oli is still a young Academy lad but he has done really well so far this season.
- He started in our friendly at Northampton and, having played well there, he got the opportunity to start in the Premiership. Against London Irish and he has taken his opportunity well.
- He gives everything 100 per cent and he goes flat out at whatever he does.
On Billy Searle
- Billy is a really good young player. Playing in a position like fly-half things don’t always go the way you want them to.
- But Billy is a very good young prospect.
Injuries
- Matt Kvesic has had scans and he should be back playing again in a couple of weeks. The medical staff were understandably cautious and sent for a spinal board which was the right thing to do. Thankfully Matt was up and about by the end of the game.
- Marco Mama suffered a groin strain and so we took him off straight away.
- Will Butler is training fully again.
- Graham Kitchener is coming along nicely but is not ready for selection yet.