Bassett returns as Warriors head to Ealing

Josh Bassett makes his competitive Worcester Warriors debut as he returns from injury for the Warriors Round 13 trip to Ealing Trailfinders.

Bassett, who last featured against Bath in pre-season, starts on the wing as one of six changes to the starting line-up.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bassett said, “I’m very excited to get out there on Saturday, it’s been frustrating at times watching the boys out there doing so well.”

“But it’s been amazing to be back in training and the opportunity this weekend is massive – Ealing are top of the table, last year’s winners, and we are excited for the challenge.”

The inclusion of Bassett on the wing sees Juan González shift to full-back, with Roma Zheng also returning to the starting line-up on the other wing.

There’s an unchanged half-back partnership of Lloyd Williams and Will Reed, with Billy Twelvetrees once again starting in the 12 shirt – where this week he’s partnered by James Short.

Heading into the pack, there are two changes to the front row with props Billy Keast and Tim Hoyt both starting after featuring off the bench against Chinnor.

Austin Wallis joins Keast and Hoyt in the front row with an unchanged second row of Obinna Nkwocha and Will Jeanes lining up behind them.

Matt Kvesic returns to the starting line-up to captain the side from flanker in the final change, with Tim Anstee and Khalik Kareem completing the starting XV.

Livai Natave and Tom Hendrickson return to the matchday squad amongst the replacements, where they’re joined by Jasper Spandler, Ashley Challenger, Tom Cowan, Thabo Ndimande, Will Lane, and Tiff Eden.

Warriors Team vs Ealing Trailfinders (A - Champ Rugby Rd 13) - 3 PM, Trailfinders Sports Ground

15 Juan González, 14 Roma Zheng, 13 James Short, 12 Billy Twelvetrees, 11 Josh Bassett, 10 Will Reed, 9 Lloyd Williams; 1 Billy Keast, 2 Austin Wallis, 3 Tim Hoyt, 4 Obinna Nkwocha, 5 Will Jeanes, 6 Tim Anstee, 7 Matt Kvesic, 8 Khalik Kareem

16 Jasper Spandler, 17 Livai Natave, 18 Ashley Challenger, 19 Tom Cowan, 20 Thabo Ndimande, 21 Will Lane, 22 Tiff Eden, 23 Tom Hendrickson