Warriors team news: Walker wings in for local derby
Scotland international winger Nikki Walker will make his debut for Worcester Warriors when they face Gloucester Rugby in a televised Aviva Premiership derby day clash at Sixways Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 1.30pm).
Walker has missed the opening weeks of the season through injury, but has now been declared fully fit and goes start into the starting line-up as Head Coach Richard Hill makes three changes to his Worcester side.
Talented back Joe Carlisle is named at inside centre alongside Alex Grove while Matt Kvesic is selected at Number Eight for the crunch local derby.
Hill said: “Nikki had a very strong pre-season with us until he injured his shoulder, a blow which was hard for him to take after missing a lot of rugby over the last 12 months.
“However, he has returned to training and made a big impression. I’m excited to see him get his full debut for Warriors.
“We also bring Joe Carlisle into inside centre, where he has operated so well off the bench this season, and Matt Kvesic at Number Eight, after his showing as a replacement against Tigers. I know both will be keen to grasp the big opportunity given to them.
“I’ve got absolutely no doubt that with the squad of players we’ve assembled and the way they’re training and trying to play, we will get better and better throughout the course of this season,” he added.
“However, for the coaches, players, supporters and owners, a win would be huge in the derby. We are all excited about the game and playing in front of a superb atmosphere inside Sixways.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for the local derby at the home of the Warriors. Call the Warriors Box Office for more information on 01905 454183 or buy online at www.warriors.co.uk
Warriors vs. Gloucester Rugby
15 Chris Pennell
14 Nikki Walker
13 Alex Grove
12 Joe Carlisle
11 David Lemi
10 Andy Goode
9 Shaun Perry
1 Matt Mullan
2 Aleki Lutui
3 John Andress
4 James Percival
5 Dean Schofield (c)
6 Chris Jones
7 Sam Betty
8 Matt Kvesic
Replacements
16 Ollie Hayes
17 Ceri Jones
18 James Currie
19 Craig Gillies
20 Semisi Taulava
21 Jonny Arr
22 Josh Matavesi
23 Josh Drauniniu
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