Worcester Rugby
Encyclopedia
The Worcester Rugby Football Club is an English rugby union
club; the first team use the nickname Warriors. The club's first team will play the 2011–12 season in the Premiership, after being promoted from the RFU Championship
. They have also competed in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, European Rugby Cup
, British and Irish Cup
and Aviva A League competitions. The club's kit is made by sports manufacturer Cotton Traders
and they are sponsored by Worcester Bosch
and Fragrance Mad. Their home stadium is the Sixways Stadium
, and the team colours are blue and gold. Their nearest premiership rivals are Gloucester rugby club.
in 1954 and left Bevere for Sixways
in 1975 when the clubhouse was opened. When the league system was formed, the club was placed in North Midlands Division One, a level eight league.
Worcester Warriors were promoted to the (then Zurich) Premiership after winning National Division One in 2003–2004 with a perfect record of 26 wins from 26 games, something that had never before been achieved. They were the bookies', and many of the rugby pundits' odds-on-favourites to go straight back down but defied the odds to stay in the Premiership for another season, finishing ninth in the league, after wins against teams including Harlequins, Leeds
, a historic victory against Premiership
Champions London Wasps
and Northampton
in a 'winner takes all' end of season finale, which they won 21–19. This match was shown live with more twists and turns off the pitch as well as on it, with then Northampton
player, Shane Drahm
, who had signed for Worcester eventually starting, and successfully kicking almost everything, after press releases by Northampton
stating that he would be a substitute. In the 2004–2005 season, despite Premiership survival being their ultimate aim, they reached the final of the defunct European Shield
at Oxford's Kassam Stadium
, after beating Leeds Tykes
in the semi-final. They eventually lost out to the French side Auch
. They also managed to achieve a play-off match for the Heineken Cup
against Saracens
, but their long fight for Premiership survival and an injury-ravaged squad meant that they lost. Their achievements for that season meant that they had achieved much more than they had originally hoped for, as well as earning the respect of the other Premiership sides in the process.
In the 2005–2006 season, they reached the quarter–finals of the European Challenge Cup
after finishing top of their pool with five wins out of a possible six, above Connacht
, Montpellier Herault
and Amatori Catania
, and faced an away match against Northampton Saints
on April Fool's Day, which they won, in what was described by sports writers as some of the best rugby they have played all season. They reached the semi – finals where they faced Gloucester Rugby in a local derby showdown, with it being the third time they had played Gloucester that season, with the European match being played the week after the Premiership
match at Kingsholm. Despite playing some thrilling rugby, and looking much more solid as a team than the previous week's Premiership
performance, they were knocked out of the competition. The European Challenge Cup
was then a much more important competition to Worcester as it offered them a route into the Heineken Cup
. In the 2005-06 Guinness Premiership
, they avoided relegation and were safe much earlier in the season, which meant that they avoided a repeat of last years relegation battle on the last day of the season. The season culminated in an eighth place finish in the league on 47 points, one place higher than 2004–2005, with the same amount of wins (9) but more bonus points and a draw, missing 7th position due to Newcastle Falcons
having a better points difference, secured on the last day of the season. This was a huge achievement considering that this is still only their second season in rugby's top flight.
In the 2006–07 season Worcester didn't get off to a very good start and for the majority of the season they were positioned in 12th place, but a good run of form which involved beating some of the top sides in the Premiership, helping them to avoid relegation and send the former Heineken Cup
champions Northampton Saints
down into National Division One.
. But they again didn't start off very well in the Premiership and did not record their first victory until after Christmas. While they were struggling in the premiership they were enjoying good success in the European Challenge Cup
(ECC), progressing through the group stages. After Christmas their premiership formed picked up and they beat top teams such as Leicester Tigers
and Sale Sharks
, which subsequently saw them move out of the relegation zone, Leeds Carnegie replacing them. They progressed even further in the ECC and beat off Montpellier Hérault RC
in the quarter-final and saw off Newcastle Falcons
in the semi-final which set up a final against Bath
. Leeds Carnegie could not survive relegation and were relegated well before the end of the season. The final against Bath resulted in a 24–16 defeat in a one-sided game.
In 2008 Worcester pulled off one of their largest signings ever by signing Australia
n international
Chris Latham
from the Queensland Reds
, for the 2008–09 season on a 3 year deal. He is regarded as the greatest Reds player as well as the best Wallabies fullback. The season again didn't go the way planned but Worcester still progressed in the ECC and pulled off a home and away victories over local rivals Gloucester and London Wasps
in the league. However the season ended disappointingly (after Worcester suffered a succession of serious injuries), losing in the semi-final of the European Challenge Cup
to Bourgoin
.
season, the Warriors made a bright start to the 2009-10 Guinness Premiership season. Either side of a loss to Wasps
, they had convincing wins over newly promoted Leeds Carnegie and over Sale Sharks
, only their second home win over Sale since they joined the top flight in 2004–2005, which was then followed by an unlucky loss at champions Leicester Tigers
. A poor spell followed with 10 games without a win. During the winless spell, the club did become the first Premiership team to draw four games in a season and the first team to draw three successive league games. Following this bad spell, the Warriors secured a much needed 13–0 victory over Newcastle
at Sixways
, before another six consecutive losses. On 25 April, the Warriors were relegated from the Premiership
after a 12–10 loss away to Leeds Carnegie, their first relegation in 22 years. They played the 2010–11 season in the Championship
with Richard Hill
announced as the new Head Coach, on a 2-year contract and Chris Pennell
was announced as the new captain.
in the main season at Sixways. Worcester were top of the league and top of their stage 2 group. After winning the play-off against Bedford Blues
at Sixways and the both legs of the play-off final, Worcester secured promotion to the Premiership for the 2011-12 season. Before the season began, there were local news reports that Worcester Warriors
aimed to build a Hilton Hotel on the Sixways site, whilst also building a health and leisure facilty and potentially expanding the North Stand.
Chris Jones Matt Mullan
Shaun Perry
Ravai Fatiaki
Neil Best
Richard Muagututia
Dale Rasmussen
Bruce Douglas
Alex Grove
Aleki Lutui
and Pacific Islanders
Tevita Taumoepeau
and Pacific Islanders
Sione Tu'ipulotu
Ceri Jones
(England Sevens
) Jonny Arr (England U20
) Tom Arscott
(England U19) Adam Balding
(England U18
, U21, Sevens
, Saxons
) Miles Benjamin
(England U18
, U19, U20
, Saxons
) Alex Crockett
(England U21, Saxons
) Josh Drauniniu
(England Sevens
) Chris Fortey
(England Saxons
) Ollie Frost
(England U18
) Marcel Garvey
(England U19, U21, Sevens
, Saxons
) Craig Gillies
(England Saxons
) Danny Gray
(England Sevens
) Ollie Hayes
(England U18
) Kai Horstmann
(England Sevens
, Saxons
) Matt Kvesic
(England U18
) Chris Pennell
(England U18
, U19) James Percival (England U21) George Porter
(England U18
) Andy Short
(England U18
) Oliver Tomaszczyk
(England U18
) Ed Shervington
(Wales U18
, U19, U21)
Note: All players listed have not been capped at full International level.
(from
Cornish Pirates
) Josh Drauniniu
(from London Welsh) Ben Gulliver
(from Cornish Pirates
) Chris Jones (from Sale Sharks
) Danny Gray
(from
Montauban
) Ollie Hayes
(from Bristol
) James Percival (from Harlequins
) Shaun Perry
(from Brive
) George Porter
(from Plymouth Albion
) Ravai Fatiaki
(from
Tailevu) Richard Muagututia
(from
Scopa) Errie Claassens
(from London Welsh) Sione Tu'ipulotu
(from Plymouth Albion
) Ceri Jones
(from Harlequins
)
(to
Toyota Shokki) James Collins Greg King
(to Moseley
) Graham Kitchener
(to Leicester Tigers
) Pat Sanderson
- Retiring Louis Silver (to Bristol
) Callum Black
(to Ulster
) Greg Rawlinson
- Retiring Willie Walker
(to
North Harbour
) Oriol Ripol
- Retiring Adam Black - Retiring Rob Higgitt
- Retiring Andy Williams
- Retiring, Coaching
, the charity of British rugby, supporting disadvantaged children. In January 2007, Worcester opened a "Playing for Success" centre, supported by Spoon.
Rugby union
Rugby union, often simply referred to as rugby, is a full contact team sport which originated in England in the early 19th century. One of the two codes of rugby football, it is based on running with the ball in hand...
club; the first team use the nickname Warriors. The club's first team will play the 2011–12 season in the Premiership, after being promoted from the RFU Championship
RFU Championship
The RFU Championship replaced National Division One as the second tier in the English rugby union system in September 2009. Unlike National Division One, which is semi-professional, the RFU Championship is a fully professional league.-History:...
. They have also competed in the Anglo-Welsh Cup, European Rugby Cup
European Rugby Cup
European Rugby Cup is the organising body of two European rugby union club tournaments; the Heineken Cup and the Amlin Challenge Cup. The organisation was established in 1995 and is headquartered in Dublin...
, British and Irish Cup
British and Irish Cup
The British and Irish Cup is a semi-professional northern hemisphere rugby union competition. It took place for the first time in the 2009/10 season...
and Aviva A League competitions. The club's kit is made by sports manufacturer Cotton Traders
Cotton Traders
Cotton Traders is a British clothing company, specialising in rugby apparel and leisurewear, based in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, England. It was founded in 1987 by former England national rugby union team captains Fran Cotton and Steve Smith....
and they are sponsored by Worcester Bosch
Worcester Bosch Group
Worcester, Bosch Group is a United Kingdom based domestic heating and hot water products manufacturer....
and Fragrance Mad. Their home stadium is the Sixways Stadium
Sixways Stadium
Sixways Stadium is a stadium in Worcester, England. It is currently used mostly for rugby union matches and is the home stadium of Worcester Rugby Football Club. The stadium is able to hold 12,068. It opened in 1975 and is located off junction 6 of the M5 motorway, hence the name Sixways.An...
, and the team colours are blue and gold. Their nearest premiership rivals are Gloucester rugby club.
Foundation
The club was founded in 1871 by the Reverend Francis John Ede, with the first known game played against the Artillery on 8 November 1871. The club began playing at Bevere in WorcesterWorcester
The City of Worcester, commonly known as Worcester, , is a city and county town of Worcestershire in the West Midlands of England. Worcester is situated some southwest of Birmingham and north of Gloucester, and has an approximate population of 94,000 people. The River Severn runs through the...
in 1954 and left Bevere for Sixways
Sixways Stadium
Sixways Stadium is a stadium in Worcester, England. It is currently used mostly for rugby union matches and is the home stadium of Worcester Rugby Football Club. The stadium is able to hold 12,068. It opened in 1975 and is located off junction 6 of the M5 motorway, hence the name Sixways.An...
in 1975 when the clubhouse was opened. When the league system was formed, the club was placed in North Midlands Division One, a level eight league.
Support
Due to extensive support from their backer Cecil Duckworth, the club were able to build a strong team, with promotion after promotion following. In 2006, extremely ambitious plans were announced for a £23 million development programme, which would see a health club with fitness centre and swimming pool, fully tarmaced park and ride area, and expanded capacity, estimated to be 13,000.Promotion to the Premiership
Leeds Tykes
Leeds Carnegie is an English rugby union club, based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, currently playing in the RFU Championship. In recent years, they have bounced between the Premiership and the second-level National Division One, now known as the RFU Championship; they were either promoted or relegated...
, a historic victory against Premiership
Guinness Premiership
The English Premiership, also currently known as the Aviva Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Aviva, is a professional league competition for rugby union football clubs in the top division of the English rugby system. There are twelve clubs in the Premiership...
Champions London Wasps
London Wasps
London Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
and Northampton
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
in a 'winner takes all' end of season finale, which they won 21–19. This match was shown live with more twists and turns off the pitch as well as on it, with then Northampton
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
player, Shane Drahm
Shane Drahm
Shane Drahm is an Australian rugby union player who plays at fly-half or fullback for Kubota Spears in Japan's Top League....
, who had signed for Worcester eventually starting, and successfully kicking almost everything, after press releases by Northampton
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
stating that he would be a substitute. In the 2004–2005 season, despite Premiership survival being their ultimate aim, they reached the final of the defunct European Shield
European Shield
The European Shield was a reprechage tournament for teams knocked out in the first round of the European Challenge Cup in 2002-03 and 2003-04. The name "European Shield" had previously been used for the now renamed European Challenge Cup....
at Oxford's Kassam Stadium
Kassam Stadium
The Kassam Stadium is the home of Oxford United Football Club, and is named after the ground's owner, and former chairman of the club, Firoz Kassam....
, after beating Leeds Tykes
Leeds Tykes
Leeds Carnegie is an English rugby union club, based in Leeds, West Yorkshire, currently playing in the RFU Championship. In recent years, they have bounced between the Premiership and the second-level National Division One, now known as the RFU Championship; they were either promoted or relegated...
in the semi-final. They eventually lost out to the French side Auch
FC Auch Gers
Football Club Auch Gers is a French rugby union club based in Auch in Midi-Pyrénées currently playing in Rugby Pro D2, the second tier of the country's professional league system. In recent years, they have bounced between the first-level Top 14 and Pro D2...
. They also managed to achieve a play-off match for the Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
against Saracens
Saracens F.C.
Saracens are a professional rugby union team based in St. Albans, England – although they play their home games at Vicarage Road, in Watford. They are currently members of the Aviva Premiership, the top level of domestic rugby union in England...
, but their long fight for Premiership survival and an injury-ravaged squad meant that they lost. Their achievements for that season meant that they had achieved much more than they had originally hoped for, as well as earning the respect of the other Premiership sides in the process.
In the 2005–2006 season, they reached the quarter–finals of the European Challenge Cup
European Challenge Cup
The European Challenge Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Amlin Challenge Cup, is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup. The cup was known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005. The European...
after finishing top of their pool with five wins out of a possible six, above Connacht
Connacht Rugby
Connacht Rugby is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Connacht that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 comprising teams from the Celtic nations plus Italy. Normally, it also competes in the second-tier pan-European club competition, the European Challenge Cup...
, Montpellier Herault
Montpellier Hérault RC
Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club is a professional French rugby union, based in Montpellier the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon. The club competes in the top level of the French league system, in the Top 14. They originally played at Stade Sabathé but moved to the Stade Yves-du-Manoir in 2007...
and Amatori Catania
Amatori Catania
Amatori Catania is an Italian rugby union club who got relegated from the Super 10. They are based in Catania, they are the only professional rugby union team in Sicily. The club was founded in 1963, and play at the Stadio Santa Maria Goretti....
, and faced an away match against Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
on April Fool's Day, which they won, in what was described by sports writers as some of the best rugby they have played all season. They reached the semi – finals where they faced Gloucester Rugby in a local derby showdown, with it being the third time they had played Gloucester that season, with the European match being played the week after the Premiership
Guinness Premiership
The English Premiership, also currently known as the Aviva Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Aviva, is a professional league competition for rugby union football clubs in the top division of the English rugby system. There are twelve clubs in the Premiership...
match at Kingsholm. Despite playing some thrilling rugby, and looking much more solid as a team than the previous week's Premiership
Guinness Premiership
The English Premiership, also currently known as the Aviva Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Aviva, is a professional league competition for rugby union football clubs in the top division of the English rugby system. There are twelve clubs in the Premiership...
performance, they were knocked out of the competition. The European Challenge Cup
European Challenge Cup
The European Challenge Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Amlin Challenge Cup, is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup. The cup was known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005. The European...
was then a much more important competition to Worcester as it offered them a route into the Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
. In the 2005-06 Guinness Premiership
2005-06 Guinness Premiership
The 2005–06 Guinness Premiership was the 19th season of the top flight of the English domestic rugby union competitions, played between September 2005 and May 2006. The final was contested by the Sale Sharks and the Leicester Tigers at Twickenham. Sale Sharks won 45 – 20 to win the Premiership...
, they avoided relegation and were safe much earlier in the season, which meant that they avoided a repeat of last years relegation battle on the last day of the season. The season culminated in an eighth place finish in the league on 47 points, one place higher than 2004–2005, with the same amount of wins (9) but more bonus points and a draw, missing 7th position due to Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons
The Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
having a better points difference, secured on the last day of the season. This was a huge achievement considering that this is still only their second season in rugby's top flight.
In the 2006–07 season Worcester didn't get off to a very good start and for the majority of the season they were positioned in 12th place, but a good run of form which involved beating some of the top sides in the Premiership, helping them to avoid relegation and send the former Heineken Cup
Heineken Cup
The Heineken Cup is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup involving leading club, regional and provincial teams from the six International Rugby Board countries in Europe whose national teams compete in the Six Nations Championship: England, France, Ireland,...
champions Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints
Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591....
down into National Division One.
Established in the Premiership
For the 2007–08 season Worcester had brought in several big name players, the most well know being the All Black Rico GearRico Gear
Rico Levi Gear is a New Zealand rugby union international player. He is a specialist right wing but can also cover midfield positions. He currently plays for Kintetsu Liners in the Top League....
. But they again didn't start off very well in the Premiership and did not record their first victory until after Christmas. While they were struggling in the premiership they were enjoying good success in the European Challenge Cup
European Challenge Cup
The European Challenge Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Amlin Challenge Cup, is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup. The cup was known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005. The European...
(ECC), progressing through the group stages. After Christmas their premiership formed picked up and they beat top teams such as Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010...
and Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
, which subsequently saw them move out of the relegation zone, Leeds Carnegie replacing them. They progressed even further in the ECC and beat off Montpellier Hérault RC
Montpellier Hérault RC
Montpellier Hérault Rugby Club is a professional French rugby union, based in Montpellier the capital of Languedoc-Roussillon. The club competes in the top level of the French league system, in the Top 14. They originally played at Stade Sabathé but moved to the Stade Yves-du-Manoir in 2007...
in the quarter-final and saw off Newcastle Falcons
Newcastle Falcons
The Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
in the semi-final which set up a final against Bath
Bath Rugby
Bath Rugby is an English professional rugby union club that is based in the city of Bath. They play in the Aviva Premiership league...
. Leeds Carnegie could not survive relegation and were relegated well before the end of the season. The final against Bath resulted in a 24–16 defeat in a one-sided game.
In 2008 Worcester pulled off one of their largest signings ever by signing Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
n international
Australia national rugby union team
The Australian national rugby union team is the representative side of Australia in rugby union. The national team is nicknamed the Wallabies and competes annually with New Zealand and South Africa in the Tri-Nations Series, in which they also contest the Bledisloe Cup with New Zealand and the...
Chris Latham
Chris Latham (rugby player)
Chris Latham is an Australian rugby union player, who played fullback for the Worcester Warriors, following a long career with the Queensland Reds and Australia....
from the Queensland Reds
Queensland Reds
The Queensland Reds represent Queensland in the sport of rugby union in the Southern Hemisphere Super Rugby competition. Prior to 1996 they were a representative team selected on merit from the rugby union club competitions in Queensland...
, for the 2008–09 season on a 3 year deal. He is regarded as the greatest Reds player as well as the best Wallabies fullback. The season again didn't go the way planned but Worcester still progressed in the ECC and pulled off a home and away victories over local rivals Gloucester and London Wasps
London Wasps
London Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
in the league. However the season ended disappointingly (after Worcester suffered a succession of serious injuries), losing in the semi-final of the European Challenge Cup
European Challenge Cup
The European Challenge Cup, currently known for sponsorship reasons as the Amlin Challenge Cup, is one of two annual rugby union competitions organised by European Rugby Cup. The cup was known as the Parker Pen Shield from 2001 to 2003 and Parker Pen Challenge Cup from 2003 to 2005. The European...
to Bourgoin
CS Bourgoin-Jallieu
CS Bourgoin-Jallieu is a French rugby union club currently competing in the second level of the French league system in the Pro D2. The club have been runners-up in the French championship and the Challenge Yves du Manoir competitions, and have won the Challenge Cup.Founded in 1906 as "Club...
.
Relegation from the Premiership
After the disappointment of the 2008-09 Guinness Premiership2008-09 Guinness Premiership
-Table:-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5:-Round 6:-Round 7:-Round 8:-Round 9:-Round 10:-Round 11:-Round 12:-Rearranged fixtures:-Round 13:-Round 14:...
season, the Warriors made a bright start to the 2009-10 Guinness Premiership season. Either side of a loss to Wasps
London Wasps
London Wasps is an English professional rugby union team. The men's first team, which forms London Wasps, was derived from Wasps Football Club who were formed in 1867 at the now defunct Eton and Middlesex Tavern in North London, at the turn of professionalism in 1999...
, they had convincing wins over newly promoted Leeds Carnegie and over Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks
Sale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
, only their second home win over Sale since they joined the top flight in 2004–2005, which was then followed by an unlucky loss at champions Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010...
. A poor spell followed with 10 games without a win. During the winless spell, the club did become the first Premiership team to draw four games in a season and the first team to draw three successive league games. Following this bad spell, the Warriors secured a much needed 13–0 victory over Newcastle
Newcastle Falcons
The Newcastle Falcons is an English rugby union team currently playing in the Aviva Premiership. The club was established in 1877 and played under the name of Gosforth Football Club until 1990. The name was then changed to Newcastle Gosforth and the club began to play at Kingston Park stadium in...
at Sixways
Sixways Stadium
Sixways Stadium is a stadium in Worcester, England. It is currently used mostly for rugby union matches and is the home stadium of Worcester Rugby Football Club. The stadium is able to hold 12,068. It opened in 1975 and is located off junction 6 of the M5 motorway, hence the name Sixways.An...
, before another six consecutive losses. On 25 April, the Warriors were relegated from the Premiership
Guinness Premiership
The English Premiership, also currently known as the Aviva Premiership because of the league's sponsorship by Aviva, is a professional league competition for rugby union football clubs in the top division of the English rugby system. There are twelve clubs in the Premiership...
after a 12–10 loss away to Leeds Carnegie, their first relegation in 22 years. They played the 2010–11 season in the Championship
RFU Championship
The RFU Championship replaced National Division One as the second tier in the English rugby union system in September 2009. Unlike National Division One, which is semi-professional, the RFU Championship is a fully professional league.-History:...
with Richard Hill
Richard Hill (scrum-half)
Richard Hill , is rugby union coach and former English international rugby footballer.-Biography:Born in Birmingham, Hill was educated at Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School in Salisbury, and Exeter University...
announced as the new Head Coach, on a 2-year contract and Chris Pennell
Chris Pennell
Chris Pennell is an English rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a fullback....
was announced as the new captain.
Return to the Premiership
The 2010-11 season saw Worcester win 30 out of 31 games in the Championship, losing the only game to the Cornish PiratesCornish Pirates
The Cornish Pirates are an English professional rugby union team who play in the Championship, the second level of the English rugby union pyramid, and are the premier Cornish rugby club. Formerly known as Penzance & Newlyn Pirates, the Cornish Pirates play their home games and train at their...
in the main season at Sixways. Worcester were top of the league and top of their stage 2 group. After winning the play-off against Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues
Bedford Blues is a rugby union club in the town of Bedford, England, currently playing in The RFU Championship. Bedford is one of the largest towns in England without a league football club, and one of the few towns in England where the rugby club is better supported than the football team. The...
at Sixways and the both legs of the play-off final, Worcester secured promotion to the Premiership for the 2011-12 season. Before the season began, there were local news reports that Worcester Warriors
aimed to build a Hilton Hotel on the Sixways site, whilst also building a health and leisure facilty and potentially expanding the North Stand.
LV Cup Table
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | +/- | BP | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton Saints Northampton Saints Northampton Saints are a professional rugby union club from Northampton, England. The Northampton Saints were formed in 1880. They play in green, black and gold colours. They play their home games at Franklin's Gardens, which has a capacity of 13,591.... |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 68 | 28 | 40 | 2 | 10 |
| Exeter Chiefs Exeter Chiefs Exeter Rugby Club are a rugby union club based in Exeter, Devon.The Exeter club was formed around 1871 and played its first match in 1873. The first team has been rebranded as the Exeter Chiefs and play in a strip of Black , White .... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 55 | 52 | 3 | 1 | 5 |
 Newport Gwent DragonsNewport Gwent Dragons Newport Gwent Dragons are one of the four professional Rugby Union regional teams in Wales. They are jointly owned by Newport RFC and the Welsh Rugby Union and play all their home games at Rodney Parade, Newport. They play in the RaboDirect Pro12, the Anglo-Welsh Cup and the Heineken Cup... |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 46 | 75 | |||
| 0 | 4 | ||||||||
| Worcester Warriors |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 33 | 65 | |||
| 0 | 4 |
Amlin Challenge Cup Table
| Team | Pld | W | D | L | F | A | +/- | BP | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stade Français |
2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 72 | 17 | 55 | 1 | 9 |
| Worcester Warriors |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 48 | 26 | 22 | 1 | 5 |
 Bucureşti Oaks |
2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 37 | 56 | |||
| 1 | 5 | ||||||||
 Crociati Parma |
2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 10 | 68 | |||
| 0 | 0 |
Top points scorers
| Player | Tries |
|---|---|
| Andy Goode Andy Goode Andrew James Goode is a rugby union footballer who plays fly-half for Worcester and England.-Career:... |
55 |
| Joe Carlisle Joe Carlisle Joe Carlisle is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as a fly-half. He played on loan at Coventry RFC in the 09/10 season.-External links:* * -References:... |
44 |
| Tom Arscott Tom Arscott Tom Arscott is a rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.Arscott joined Bristol from Plymouth Albion R.F.C... |
15 |
| Marcel Garvey Marcel Garvey Marcel Garvey is an English rugby union player. He is first generation British born with Jamaican parents, Almando and Glasmie Garvey. He went to St Peter's High School, Gloucester, the same school as former Gloucester team-mate Ryan Lamb.... |
15 |
| Chris Pennell Chris Pennell Chris Pennell is an English rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a fullback.... |
15 |
| Miles Benjamin Miles Benjamin Miles Benjamin is a rugby union player who plays at Wing for Worcester Warriors in the English Aviva Premiership. He also played several other sports in his youth, representing the West Midlands at athletics and water polo, and Warwickshire at cricket... |
10 |
| Josh Drauniniu Josh Drauniniu Josh Drauniniu is a Rugby Union footballer who currently plays as a Winger for the Worcester Warriors in the Aviva PremiershipJosh joined the Royal Navy in 2003 at the age of 17 and saw active service in the Gulf in 2005... |
10 |
Current squad
Internationally Capped Players
Andy GoodeAndy Goode
Andrew James Goode is a rugby union footballer who plays fly-half for Worcester and England.-Career:...
Chris Jones Matt Mullan
Matt Mullan
Matt Mullan is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership, after being promoted from the RFU Championship.He plays as a loosehead prop but can also play hooker....
Shaun Perry
Shaun Perry
Shaun Perry is an English rugby union footballer, who plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. His usual position is at scrum half....
Ravai Fatiaki
Ravai Fatiaki
Ravai Fatiaki is a Fijian rugby union player who has signed on to play for Worcester Warriors in the 2011–12 Aviva Premiership...
Neil Best
Neil Best
Neil Best is a rugby union footballer, He plays for Worcester Warriors and the Irish national team....
Richard Muagututia
Richard Muagututia
Richard Muagututia is an Samoan rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has one cap for Samoa, making his début against Japan. He plays as a prop.-External links:*...
Dale Rasmussen
Dale Rasmussen
Dale Rasmussen is a Samoan international rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership...
Bruce Douglas
Bruce Douglas (rugby union)
Bruce Andrew Ferguson Douglas is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He plays as a prop, and had been signed with French top 14 club Montpellier Herault from July 2008 up until March 2010 when it was confirmed that he was signed with Worcester Warriors...
Alex Grove
Alex Grove
Alex Grove is a Scottish rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as a centre but can also play on the wing.Grove previously played for Scotland at under-18, under-19, and under-20 level...
Aleki Lutui
Aleki Lutui
Aleki Lutui in Tofoa, Tonga, is a Tongan rugby union international player. He currently plays for the Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. His position is hooker....
and Pacific Islanders
Pacific Islanders rugby union team
The Pacific Islanders rugby union team is an international rugby union team, started in 2004, that represents Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. While Niue and the Cook Islands are not members of the Pacific Tri-Nations competition, they did supply players to the squad for the Pacific Islanders' tour in 2004...
Tevita Taumoepeau
Tevita Taumoepeau
Tevita Taumoepeau is a Tongan international rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a tighthead prop-Career:...
and Pacific Islanders
Pacific Islanders rugby union team
The Pacific Islanders rugby union team is an international rugby union team, started in 2004, that represents Fiji, Samoa and Tonga. While Niue and the Cook Islands are not members of the Pacific Tri-Nations competition, they did supply players to the squad for the Pacific Islanders' tour in 2004...
Sione Tu'ipulotu
Sione Tu'ipulotu
Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu is a Tongan rugby union footballer. His usual position is at scrum-half, but he can also play as a fullback...
Ceri Jones
Ceri Jones
Ceri Jones , is a Wales international rugby union player. Jones played for Newport High School Old Boys, Usk and Newport before making his name at Harlequins. Normally a loose-head prop he can also play tight-head prop....
Other International Honours
Jake AbbottJake Abbott
Jake Abbott is an English Rugby Union player who plays as a Flanker for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership...
(England Sevens
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
) Jonny Arr (England U20
England national under-20 rugby union team
The England under 20 rugby team are the newest representative rugby union team from England. They replace the two former age grade teams Under 19's and Under 21's. They are coached by the RFU's National Academy Coach, Mark Mapletoft. Their first tournament was the 2008 IRB Junior World...
) Tom Arscott
Tom Arscott
Tom Arscott is a rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.Arscott joined Bristol from Plymouth Albion R.F.C...
(England U19) Adam Balding
Adam Balding
Adam Balding is an English rugby union footballer, currently playing for Worcester Warriors. He plays as a Number eight.Balding came through Leicester Tigers academy and went on to make 66 appearances for the first XV...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
, U21, Sevens
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
, Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Miles Benjamin
Miles Benjamin
Miles Benjamin is a rugby union player who plays at Wing for Worcester Warriors in the English Aviva Premiership. He also played several other sports in his youth, representing the West Midlands at athletics and water polo, and Warwickshire at cricket...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
, U19, U20
England national under-20 rugby union team
The England under 20 rugby team are the newest representative rugby union team from England. They replace the two former age grade teams Under 19's and Under 21's. They are coached by the RFU's National Academy Coach, Mark Mapletoft. Their first tournament was the 2008 IRB Junior World...
, Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Alex Crockett
Alex Crockett
Alex Crockett is an English rugby union player. Crockett plays as a Centre.-Bath Rugby:Crockett started his professional career at Bath....
(England U21, Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Josh Drauniniu
Josh Drauniniu
Josh Drauniniu is a Rugby Union footballer who currently plays as a Winger for the Worcester Warriors in the Aviva PremiershipJosh joined the Royal Navy in 2003 at the age of 17 and saw active service in the Gulf in 2005...
(England Sevens
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
) Chris Fortey
Chris Fortey
Chris Fortey is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He previously played for Gloucester.Chris has a twin called Lee who has also played for Worcester.He plays as a hooker....
(England Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Ollie Frost
Ollie Frost
Ollie Frost is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as a scrum-half.He attended Bromsgrove School from 2006 – 2008.-External links:*-References:...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
) Marcel Garvey
Marcel Garvey
Marcel Garvey is an English rugby union player. He is first generation British born with Jamaican parents, Almando and Glasmie Garvey. He went to St Peter's High School, Gloucester, the same school as former Gloucester team-mate Ryan Lamb....
(England U19, U21, Sevens
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
, Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Craig Gillies
Craig Gillies
Craig Gillies is an English rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a lock....
(England Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Danny Gray
Danny Gray
Danny Gray is a rugby union player who plays at fly half for Worcester Warriors, having played for French side US Montauban, Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Rugby. He was selected for the England Sevens team in 2006-2007 after having been part of the wider sevens squad in 2005-2006...
(England Sevens
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
) Ollie Hayes
Ollie Hayes
Ollie Hayes is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. Having started his career at Bath Academy he moved to Bristol Guinness Premiership in 2008. He made his Premiership debut in March 2009 against Bath...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
) Kai Horstmann
Kai Horstmann
Kai Horstmann is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.Horstmann has proved himself an invaluable member of the Worcester Warriors since joining from Harlequins in May 2005...
(England Sevens
England national rugby union team (sevens)
The English national rugby union sevens team compete in the World Sevens Series, Rugby World Cup Sevens and the Commonwealth Games.-Honours:* 1973 International Seven-A-Side Tournament - Winners* Rugby World Cup Sevens Winners 1993* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2002* Hong Kong Sevens Winners 2003*...
, Saxons
England Saxons
England Saxons is the current name of England's men's second national rugby union team. The team has previously been known by a number of names, such as England B, Emerging England and, most recently, England A...
) Matt Kvesic
Matt Kvesic
Matt Kvesic is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has played for England U16, captained the U18 team, and is a current member of the U20 team....
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
) Chris Pennell
Chris Pennell
Chris Pennell is an English rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He plays as a fullback....
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
, U19) James Percival (England U21) George Porter
George Porter (rugby union)
George Porter is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has played for England U18.He plays as a prop.-External links:*...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
) Andy Short
Andy Short
Andy Short is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has played for England U18.He plays as a centre or wing.-External links:*-References:...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
) Oliver Tomaszczyk
Oliver Tomaszczyk
Oliver Tomaszczyk is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as a prop and was previously a member of the Newcastle Falcons academy. He played for Argentian side Lomas Athletic in 2006, Tynedale, Oloron and appeared for England U18 in the 04/05 season...
(England U18
England national under-18 rugby union team
The England national under-18 rugby union team is the under-18 team of the England national rugby union team in the sport of rugby union.-European Championship:...
) Ed Shervington
Ed Shervington
Ed Shervington , is a Welsh rugby union player, in the position of hooker for Worcester Warriors.Born in Newport, Shervington debuted for Neath RFC against Aberavon RFC in 2003...
(Wales U18
Wales national under-18 rugby union team
The Wales national Under 18 rugby team is for Welsh rugby union players aged 18 or under on January 1 of the year during which they are selected.They compete in the Under 18 Six Nations Festival and a separate under 18's four nation tournament...
, U19, U21)
Note: All players listed have not been capped at full International level.
Players In
Sam BettySam Betty
Sam Betty is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He previously played for the Cornish Pirates.He plays as a flanker.-External links:*...
(from
Cornish PiratesCornish Pirates
The Cornish Pirates are an English professional rugby union team who play in the Championship, the second level of the English rugby union pyramid, and are the premier Cornish rugby club. Formerly known as Penzance & Newlyn Pirates, the Cornish Pirates play their home games and train at their...
) Josh Drauniniu
Josh Drauniniu
Josh Drauniniu is a Rugby Union footballer who currently plays as a Winger for the Worcester Warriors in the Aviva PremiershipJosh joined the Royal Navy in 2003 at the age of 17 and saw active service in the Gulf in 2005...
(from
London Welsh) Ben GulliverBen Gulliver
Ben Gulliver is a Rugby Union player for the Worcester Warriors, having moved from the Cornish Pirates in the Summer of 2011. His preferred position is Lock...
(from
Cornish PiratesCornish Pirates
The Cornish Pirates are an English professional rugby union team who play in the Championship, the second level of the English rugby union pyramid, and are the premier Cornish rugby club. Formerly known as Penzance & Newlyn Pirates, the Cornish Pirates play their home games and train at their...
) Chris Jones (from
Sale SharksSale Sharks
Sale Sharks are a professional rugby union club who play in England in the Aviva Premiership.The club is an offshoot of Sale FC, which is based at Heywood Road in Sale, Greater Manchester, but Sharks currently play in Stockport at Edgeley Park, ground sharing with Stockport County F.C.Part of the...
) Danny Gray
Danny Gray
Danny Gray is a rugby union player who plays at fly half for Worcester Warriors, having played for French side US Montauban, Exeter Chiefs and Bristol Rugby. He was selected for the England Sevens team in 2006-2007 after having been part of the wider sevens squad in 2005-2006...
(from
MontaubanUS Montauban
US Montauban were a French rugby union club, which competed in the Top 14 competition between 2007 and 2010, after being promoted from Rugby Pro D2 for the 2006-07 season...
) Ollie Hayes
Ollie Hayes
Ollie Hayes is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. Having started his career at Bath Academy he moved to Bristol Guinness Premiership in 2008. He made his Premiership debut in March 2009 against Bath...
(from
BristolBristol Rugby
Bristol Rugby is a rugby union club based in Bristol, England. The club currently plays in the RFU Championship and competes in the British and Irish Cup. They rely in large part on the many junior rugby clubs in the region, particularly those from 'the Combination'...
) James Percival (from
HarlequinsHarlequin F.C.
The Harlequin Football Club is an English rugby union team who play in the top level of English rugby, the Aviva Premiership. Their ground in London is Twickenham Stoop...
) Shaun Perry
Shaun Perry
Shaun Perry is an English rugby union footballer, who plays for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. His usual position is at scrum half....
(from
BriveCA Brive
Club Athlétique Brive Corrèze Limousin is a French rugby union team founded in 1910 and based in Brive-la-Gaillarde in the département of Corrèze of the Limousin région . They wear black and white and play in the Stade Amédée-Domenech .- History :The club was created on 15 March 1910 established on...
) George Porter
George Porter (rugby union)
George Porter is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has played for England U18.He plays as a prop.-External links:*...
(from
Plymouth AlbionPlymouth Albion R.F.C.
Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club who play in Plymouth, England. The club was founded around 1915 from a merger between Plymouth RFC and Devonport Albion RFC...
) Ravai Fatiaki
Ravai Fatiaki
Ravai Fatiaki is a Fijian rugby union player who has signed on to play for Worcester Warriors in the 2011–12 Aviva Premiership...
(from
Tailevu) Richard MuagututiaRichard Muagututia
Richard Muagututia is an Samoan rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. He has one cap for Samoa, making his début against Japan. He plays as a prop.-External links:*...
(from
Scopa) Errie ClaassensErrie Claassens
Errie Claassens is a South African rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Aviva Premiership. Claassens moved to the UK in 2005 to sign for the Rotherham Titans where he spent four seasons before moving to London Welsh in 2009...
(from
London Welsh) Sione Tu'ipulotuSione Tu'ipulotu
Sione Mone Tu'ipulotu is a Tongan rugby union footballer. His usual position is at scrum-half, but he can also play as a fullback...
(from
Plymouth AlbionPlymouth Albion R.F.C.
Plymouth Albion Rugby Football Club is a rugby union club who play in Plymouth, England. The club was founded around 1915 from a merger between Plymouth RFC and Devonport Albion RFC...
) Ceri Jones
Ceri Jones
Ceri Jones , is a Wales international rugby union player. Jones played for Newport High School Old Boys, Usk and Newport before making his name at Harlequins. Normally a loose-head prop he can also play tight-head prop....
(from
HarlequinsHarlequin F.C.
The Harlequin Football Club is an English rugby union team who play in the top level of English rugby, the Aviva Premiership. Their ground in London is Twickenham Stoop...
)
Players Out
Will BowleyWill Bowley
Will Bowley is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premiership.He plays as a lock, but can also play as a flanker....
(to
Toyota Shokki) James Collins Greg KingGreg King (rugby union)
Greg King is an English rugby union player, formerly of Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premiership, who moved to Moseley for the 2011/12 season.He plays as a centre.-External links:*...
(to
MoseleyMoseley Rugby Football Club
Moseley Rugby Football Club is an English rugby union club, based at Billesley Common in Birmingham, that competes in the RFU Championship. The club was historically the premier rugby club in Birmingham, reaching the final of the John Player Cup three times in the late 1970s and early 1980s...
) Graham Kitchener
Graham Kitchener
Graham Kitchener is an English rugby union player for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as a Lock but can also play as a blindside flanker....
(to
Leicester TigersLeicester Tigers
Leicester Tigers is an English rugby union club that plays in the Aviva Premiership.Leicester are the most successful English club since the introduction of league rugby in 1987, a record 9 times English champions - 3 more than either Bath or Wasps, the last of which was in 2010...
) Pat Sanderson
Pat Sanderson
Patrick Harold Sanderson is a former England international rugby union player and flanker for Worcester, the team he currently captains...
- Retiring Louis Silver (to
BristolBristol Rugby
Bristol Rugby is a rugby union club based in Bristol, England. The club currently plays in the RFU Championship and competes in the British and Irish Cup. They rely in large part on the many junior rugby clubs in the region, particularly those from 'the Combination'...
) Callum Black
Callum Black
Callum Black is an Irish rugby union player for Ulster in the RaboDirect Pro12. He has represented Ireland at Under 18, Under 19 and Under 21 levels. He will join Ulster fro the 2011/12 season.He plays as a loosehead prop....
(to Ulster
Ulster Rugby
Ulster Rugby, usually referred to simply as Ulster, is an Irish professional rugby union team based in Belfast, representing the Irish province of Ulster, that competes in the RaboDirect Pro12 and also competes in the Heineken Cup...
) Greg Rawlinson
Greg Rawlinson
Greg Rawlinson is a New Zealand international rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premiership....
- Retiring Willie Walker
Willie Walker
This article is about the New Zealand rugby player. For the DC Comics character of the same name, see Black Racer.Willie Walker is a New Zealand rugby union footballer, currently playing in the Guinness Premiership for Worcester Warriors...
(to
North HarbourNorth Harbour Rugby Union
The North Harbour Rugby Union , commonly referred to colloquially as North Harbour or simply Harbour, is a provincial rugby team which competes in the ITM Cup , the successor to the country's former domestic competition, the National Provincial Championship .-Area:Harbour Rugby encompasses a...
) Oriol Ripol
Oriol Ripol
Oriol Ripol is a Spanish rugby union player. He plays as a wing for Worcester Warriors in the Championship. Ripol has also played for Spain and is regarded as their best player of modern times...
- Retiring Adam Black - Retiring Rob Higgitt
Rob Higgitt
Rob Higgitt is a Welsh rugby union centre.Born in St Asaph, Denbighshire, Higgitt began his rugby career with Ruthin, for whom his father was the chairman. He played for Ruthin from the age of 6 until he was 18, when he enrolled at the University of Bath...
- Retiring Andy Williams
Andy Williams (rugby player)
Andy Williams , is a Welsh international rugby union player. A scrum half, he has attained 5 caps for the Wales national rugby union team....
- Retiring, Coaching
Current Coaching Staff
- Richard HillRichard Hill (scrum-half)Richard Hill , is rugby union coach and former English international rugby footballer.-Biography:Born in Birmingham, Hill was educated at Bishop Wordsworth's Grammar School in Salisbury, and Exeter University...
– Head Coach- Phil DaviesPhil DaviesPhil Davies is a Welsh former rugby union footballer of the 1980s and 90s.-Rugby career:Davies played his club rugby for Llanelli and enjoyed a distinguished 46 cap career for Wales between 1985 and 1995...
– Forwards Coach - Phil LarderPhil LarderPhil Larder MBE , is an English rugby league and rugby union coach.After graduating with a degree in Physical Education and Sports Science from Loughborough University in 1965, he played rugby union at centre for Broughton Park in Manchester and then Sale...
– Defence Coach - Andrew Stanley – Head of Skill Development & Academy Manager
- Gary Meechan – Skill Development & Academy Assistant Manager
- Phil Davies
Notable former players
| Shane Drahm Shane Drahm Shane Drahm is an Australian rugby union player who plays at fly-half or fullback for Kubota Spears in Japan's Top League.... Chris Garrard Drew Hickey Drew Hickey Drew Hickey is an Australian Rugby Union player who plays blindside flanker and Number 8.In February 2008 he moved to Japan to play for Kubota Spears in Japan's Top League... Chris Latham Nick Baxter Nick Baxter Nick Baxter is an English rugby union player who has represented England Students, England Sevens and the Barbarians. He is the leading try scorer in National League rugby, scoring his 150th try for Pertemps Bees versus Doncaster in April 2006. He was a member of the England Sevens team in the 1998... Richard Blaze Richard Blaze Richard Blaze is an English former rugby union player, who played Lock for Leicester Tigers.Blaze represented England at U21 level while at Worcester Warriors, in the summer of 2006, he played in all five games during the Grand Slam... Will Bowley Will Bowley Will Bowley is an English rugby union player for Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premiership.He plays as a lock, but can also play as a flanker.... James Brown Ben Clarke Ben Clarke Ben Clarke , is a former England international rugby union player.Clarke played for Bath Rugby from 1992 to 1996, before joining Richmond F.C. as the first £1-million player... Ben Gollings Ben Gollings Ben Gollings is a rugby union footballer who plays fly-half for Rugby Lions and formerly for England Sevens.-Career:... Andy Gomarsall Andy Gomarsall Andrew Charles Thomas Gomarsall MBE is a rugby union player who plays at scrum-half for Leeds Carnegie and England.He previously played for Gloucester Rugby, Bedford and Wasps... Dylan Hartley Dylan Hartley Dylan Hartley is an English, New Zealand born rugby union footballer who plays at hooker for Northampton Saints, and England.-Early career:Hartley was born in New Zealand, but qualifies to play for England through his English mother... Jim Jenner Graham Kitchener Graham Kitchener Graham Kitchener is an English rugby union player for Leicester Tigers in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as a Lock but can also play as a blindside flanker.... Daren O'Leary Daren O'Leary Daren O'Leary was a rugby union player who represented Saracens, Harlequins, Gloucester, Worcester and Moseley. Now retired, he is a professional rugby union agent with Top Marque Sports.-Notes:... Steve Lloyd Neil Lyman Luke Narraway Luke Narraway Luke Narraway is a rugby union footballer who plays for Gloucester Rugby.-Club career:Narraway joined Gloucester Rugby from The King's School, Worcester after 4 years at The Chantry High School, Worcestershire... Duncan Roke Pat Sanderson Pat Sanderson Patrick Harold Sanderson is a former England international rugby union player and flanker for Worcester, the team he currently captains... Gary Trueman Tony Windo Tom Wood Tom Wood (rugby union) Tom Wood is an English rugby union player for Northampton Saints in the Aviva Premiership.He plays as flanker but can also play at number eight.... |
Tommy Hayes Tommy Hayes Tommy Hayes is a Cook Island rugby union player. He plays as a fly-half.Cook Islands international, joined Moseley RFC for the second half of the 2006/07 season after spending seasons with Bristol, Worcester Warriors, and six seasons with Glasgow, and has also... Nicholas Le Roux Thomas Lombard Thomas Lombard Thomas Lombard , is a French rugby rugby union player. Thomas Lombard began playing Rugby Union with Racing but he moved to Stade Français with whom he won four top 14s. After a new title in 2004, he left Paris to played for Worcester Warriors. He then returned to his original club, Racing... Rico Gear Rico Gear Rico Levi Gear is a New Zealand rugby union international player. He is a specialist right wing but can also cover midfield positions. He currently plays for Kintetsu Liners in the Top League.... Greg Rawlinson Greg Rawlinson Greg Rawlinson is a New Zealand international rugby union player. He currently plays for Worcester Warriors in the Guinness Premiership.... Sam Tuitupou Sam Tuitupou Sam Tuitupou is a New Zealand international rugby union player who plays for Sale in the Aviva Premiership. His position is Inside Centre.... Earl Va'a Earl Va'a Earl Va'a is a Samoan rugby union footballer. He plays as a fly-half.-Rugby league:Va'a started his career playing rugby league for the Wainuiomata Lions in New Zealand and in 1994 and 1995 he represented the Wellington City Dukes in the Lion Red Cup... Siaosi Vaili Ben Hinshelwood Ben Hinshelwood Benjamin Gerald Hinshelwood . Son of famous Scottish winger Sandy Hinshelwood, Ben was the outstanding sportsman in his days at North Sydney Boys High School... David Officer Hugo Southwell Hugo Southwell Hugo Finlay Grant Southwell is a Scottish rugby union footballer. He plays as a fullback, centre, wing or scrum half.... Thinus Delport Thinus Delport Thinus Delport is a South African rugby union player who played at wing or fullback for Worcester Warriors and South Africa.He started his career playing for the Lions from U21 level and he made his senior debut in 1997... Gavin Pfister Werner Swanepoel Andre Van Niekerk Oriol Ripol Oriol Ripol Oriol Ripol is a Spanish rugby union player. He plays as a wing for Worcester Warriors in the Championship. Ripol has also played for Spain and is regarded as their best player of modern times... Johnny Taumoheloa Sateki Tuipulotu Sateki Tuipulotu Sateki Tuipulotu is a former rugby union footballer who played internationally for Tonga. Tuipulotu first played for Tonga in 1994 against Wales. Playing at fullback, he was a regular player for Tonga until his retirement following the 2003 Rugby World Cup... Adam Black Chris Horsman Chris Horsman Chris Horsman is a former Wales international rugby union player.-Club career:Horsman attended Sheldon school in Chippenham, Wiltshire and represented England at youth international level.... Darren Morris Darren Morris Darren Morris is a Wales international rugby union player and has represented the British and Irish Lions. He plays as a loosehead prop.-Club career:... Matt Powell Matt Powell Matthew Powell is a Welsh rugby union footballer, who played for Worcester Warriors at scrum-half.Matt Powell joined Worcester Warriors in 2003 and last season penned a new three-year deal to commit himself to the club until 2010.Matt, who was part of the promotion winning team of 2003/04... Craig Quinnell Craig Quinnell Craig Quinnell is a former Welsh Rugby Union player.Quinnell played 54 games for the Cardiff club between November 1999 and May 2002 and established himself as one of the backbones of the pack. Though often in the firing line from opposition forwards, he never took a step backwards and was a firm... |
Club honours
- North Midlands Cup Winners 1977–78
- North Midlands Division One Champions 1989–90
- Midlands Division TwoMidlands 2 WestEnglish Rugby Union Midland Division - Midlands 2 West is an English Rugby Union League.Midlands 2 West is made up of teams from around the Midlands of England who play home and away matches throughout a winter season.Promoted teams move up to Midlands 1....
Champions 1992–93 - Midlands Division One Champions 1994–95
- North Midlands Cup Winners 1995–96
- National Division Five North Champions 1995–96
- National Division Four North Champions 1996–97
- Jewsons National League One Champions 1997–98
- North Midlands Cup Winners 1997–98
- Powerline Floodlit Cup Winners 1997–98
- National Division Two Champions 1999–2000
- National Division OneRFU ChampionshipThe RFU Championship replaced National Division One as the second tier in the English rugby union system in September 2009. Unlike National Division One, which is semi-professional, the RFU Championship is a fully professional league.-History:...
Champions 2003–2004National Division One 2003-04The final league table for National Division One for the 2003-04 Season. The final league table for National Division One for the 2003-04 Season. The final league table for National Division One for the 2003-04 Season.... - RFU ChampionshipRFU ChampionshipThe RFU Championship replaced National Division One as the second tier in the English rugby union system in September 2009. Unlike National Division One, which is semi-professional, the RFU Championship is a fully professional league.-History:...
Champions 2010-20112010–11 RFU Championship- Group A :- Group B :- Group C :* * Refers to number of points awarded before the start of the play-offs.- Semi-finals :----- Final :----- Top try scorers :- Top points scorers :...
Top-Flight Seasons
| Season | Premiership | Domestic Cup | European Cup | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competition | Final Position | Points | Competition | Performance | Competition | Performance | |
| 2009–10 | Guinness Premiership | 12th | 28 | LV Cup | 4th in pool | European Challenge Cup 2009–10 European Challenge Cup The 2009–10 Amlin Challenge Cup was the 14th season of the European Challenge Cup, the annual rugby union European club competition for clubs from six nations in European rugby. It started on 8 October 2009 at Sixways Stadium in Worcester with Worcester Warriors hosting Montpellier, and ended with... |
3rd in pool |
| 2008–09 | Guinness Premiership 2008-09 Guinness Premiership -Table:-Round 1:-Round 2:-Round 3:-Round 4:-Round 5:-Round 6:-Round 7:-Round 8:-Round 9:-Round 10:-Round 11:-Round 12:-Rearranged fixtures:-Round 13:-Round 14:... |
11th | 34 | EDF Energy Cup 2008-09 EDF Energy Cup The 2008-09 EDF Energy Cup is the 38th season of England's national rugby union cup competition, and the fourth to follow the recently adopted Anglo-Welsh format.... |
4th in pool | European Challenge Cup 2008-09 European Challenge Cup The 2008–09 European Challenge Cup was the 13th season of the European Challenge Cup, the annual rugby union European club competition for clubs from six nations in European rugby. It started in October 2008 and ended with the final at the Twickenham Stoop in London on 22 May 2009, in which... |
Semi-finalists |
| 2007–08 | Guinness Premiership 2007-08 Guinness Premiership The 2007–08 Guinness Premiership was the 21st season of the top flight of the English domestic rugby union competitions, played between September 2007 and May 2008. Due to the 2007 Rugby World Cup the season started slightly later than normal, as England were trying to defend their title... |
10th | 36 | EDF Energy Cup 2007-08 EDF Energy Cup The 2007–08 EDF Energy Cup was the 37th season of England's national rugby union cup competition, and the third to follow the recently adopted Anglo-Welsh format.... |
4th in pool | European Challenge Cup 2007-08 European Challenge Cup The 2007–08 European Challenge Cup was the 12th year of the European Challenge Cup, the second tier rugby union cup competition below the Heineken Cup. The tournament was held between November 2007 and May 2008.-Pool 1:-Pool 2:-Pool 3:-Pool 4:... |
Finalists |
| 2006–07 | Guinness Premiership 2006-07 Guinness Premiership The 2006–07 Guinness Premiership was the 20th season of the top flight of the English domestic rugby union competitions, played between September 2006 and May 2007. It was announced during the 2005-06 season that the 2006-07 competition would end two weeks early due to the 2007 Rugby World Cup in... |
11th | 34 | EDF Energy Cup 2006-07 EDF Energy Cup The 2006–07 EDF Energy Cup marked the 36th season of the English Rugby Union cup competition. It was the second season under the new Anglo-Welsh format and the first with EDF Energy as title sponsor... |
2nd in pool | European Challenge Cup 2006-07 European Challenge Cup The 2006–07 European Challenge Cup was the 11th year of the European Challenge Cup, the second tier rugby union cup competition below the Heineken Cup... |
2nd in pool |
| 2005–06 | Guinness Premiership 2005-06 Guinness Premiership The 2005–06 Guinness Premiership was the 19th season of the top flight of the English domestic rugby union competitions, played between September 2005 and May 2006. The final was contested by the Sale Sharks and the Leicester Tigers at Twickenham. Sale Sharks won 45 – 20 to win the Premiership... |
8th | 47 | Powergen Cup 2005-06 Powergen Cup The 2005-06 Powergen Cup was the 35th annual rugby union cup competition in England. Originally contested between clubs of the English leagues, this was the first season for which the competition was open to the Welsh regions, forming the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The cup is contested between the twelve... |
4th in pool | European Challenge Cup 2005-06 European Challenge Cup The 2005–06 European Challenge Cup was the tenth year of the European Challenge Cup, the second tier rugby union cup competition below the Heineken Cup... |
Semi-finalists |
| 2004–05 | Zurich Premiership 2004–05 Zurich Premiership The 2004-05 Zurich Premiership was the 18th season of the top flight of the English domestic rugby union competitions.Harlequins were relegated, to be replaced by Bristol.- Table :-Week 1:-Week 2:-Week 3:-Week 4:-Week 5:... |
9th | 42 | Powergen Cup | 6th round | European Shield European Shield The European Shield was a reprechage tournament for teams knocked out in the first round of the European Challenge Cup in 2002-03 and 2003-04. The name "European Shield" had previously been used for the now renamed European Challenge Cup.... |
Finalists |
Charitable Causes
Cecil Duckworth is a trustee of the Wooden SpoonWooden Spoon Society
Wooden Spoon is a children's charity founded in 1983, when the England rugby team received the Wooden Spoon in the 5 Nations. Spoon is dedicated to helping children and young people who are disadvantaged physically, mentally or socially by using sport as a method of improving lives while...
, the charity of British rugby, supporting disadvantaged children. In January 2007, Worcester opened a "Playing for Success" centre, supported by Spoon.