High praise for record breaking Warrior

Posted on Nov 25, 2010 in Rugby News

Head Coach Richard Hill has hailed lock star Craig Gillies as the ultimate professional – after revealing the giant second row will this week break the appearance record for Worcester Warriors.

Hill has confirmed that former England A star Gillies will start and make his 223^rd appearance for the Warriors as the team faces Esher Rugby this Saturday at Sixways (kick-off 3pm).

That will see the 34-year-old set a new club record as he eclipses the current record for appearances held by legendary front row Tony Windo.

“Craig and I go back a long way,” said Hill “When I was at Bath, and had just finished playing, I tried to recruit him and get him into the Bath team when he was down in Devon in Tiverton.

“He was in a group when he was aged 18 with some very quality players like Trevor Woodman, Phil Greening, Phil Vickery, a very powerful England Colts side and a number of those played at Bath.

“I got to know Craig and he was an outstanding youngster. It has been interesting for me to track his progress, although I haven’t worked with him until now, during his time at Richmond, Scarlets and now at Worcester.

“He shows what a good professional is all about,” added Hill. “He has got longevity and is still very fit. We have just done our fitness tests and he has broken his previous best which is outstanding for a man who has been playing so much rugby.

“His attitude is superb. A nicer man you could not meet and a more dedicated professional you could not meet. I cannot speak any more highly of him.”

Gillies is expected to lead the team out on Saturday but while the giant second row will be flying high in the lineout he is planning to keep celebrations grounded with his only target another home win.

"I am trying not to think about it too much," said Gillies. “I guess it is a nice achievement to reach and a nice landmark.

“It’s my ninth season here and it has been a roller coaster, lots of highs, a few lows. It’s been a journey.

“But, for me, it is all about the team at the moment. We are taking it week by week and focusing on performances.

“The challenge is to perform better. Personal goals and milestones are aside for me at the moment. It is about looking at how we play as a team and build towards the play-offs.

“We have to build on the display against Rotherham last weekend. The intensity on that day was there, right from the moment we got on the coach and made the trip up.

“You could sense that everyone head their game head on, knew what was required and did a job on the pitch. Our scrum was particularly dominant early on and we gave them no platform to play off in the lineout either. Both those aspects added to our victory in Yorkshire.”

Watch the Warriors – and record-breaker Craig Gillies – tackle Esher Rugby in the RFU Championship this Saturday at Sixways. Call the Warriors Box Office on 01905 454183 for more ticketing information.

Fortey set for two hundred

Posted on Nov 26, 2009 in Rugby News

Hooker Chris Fortey is set to join the exclusive ’200 Club’ in the Guinness Premiership when Worcester Warriors entertain table topping Saracens at Sixways Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has selected the same starting line-up that drew 12-12 on home soil with Bath Rugby just seven days earlier as he looks for Warriors to secure a third home win of the campaign.

Fortey is named among the replacements and if he plays a part in the encounter will hit the magical 200 game mark in the English top-flight and move to fifth in the all-time league standings for games played.

“Chris is about to hit the 200 Club in the Guinness Premiership and this is yet another example of the durability, professionalism and skill of this Warrior over an extended period,” said Ruddock.

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Hostmann returns for Worcester

Posted on Nov 19, 2009 in Rugby News

Back row Kai Horstmann returns to the starting line-up for Worcester Warriors as they entertain Bath Rugby in the Guinness Premiership at Sixways Stadium on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).

Horstmann, who has been out of action since mid-September, returns to the pack for his fourth league appearance of the campaign.

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock makes a total of 13 changes to the line-up that faced Scarlets in the LV= Cup last weekend as he recalls those who were rested for the trip to Wales.

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Garvey returns to Warriors starting lineup

Posted on Nov 6, 2009 in Rugby News

Wing Marcel Garvey returns to the Worcester Warriors team as the club launches its LV= Cup bid against Newcastle Falcons at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm).

Speedster Garvey is back in the starting line-up for the first time since injuring his hand against Montpellier in early October.

New Zealand ace Rico Gear moves to outside centre to join forces with Sam Tuitupou, with Alex Grove not considered for selection after an intensive three-day training camp with Scotland this week.

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