Six players set to make Worcester Warriors debuts

Richard Hill says selection is based on form not reputation

Worcester Warriors will hand debuts to six of their summer signings in the opening Championship match against Birmingham & Solihull.

Alex Crockett, Rob Higgitt, Tom Arscott, Bruce Douglas, Ed Shervington and Adam Balding have all been given the nod.

"I want huge competition for every jersey," said coach Richard Hill.

"Selection will be based on form and fitness, regardless of the reputation or experience of any player."

Crockett, Higgitt and Arscott all start in the back division as the Warriors open the season on home soil.

Scotland prop Douglas and hooker Shervington are both named in the front row along with the experienced Balding.

The players who are not involved will be bitterly disappointed but already keen to get back involved

Richard Hill

Jonny Arr and Joe Carlisle will combine at half back, after impressing throughout pre-season, while Kai Horstmann will skipper the side from the back row.

Andy Goode and Neil Best are among those unable to force their way into the starting fifteen so they will have to be content with a place on the bench.

Hill says he does plan on rotating players in order to deal with the unusual format in the Championship.

"As we build towards the play-offs we must rotate the squad so every time the fans see the team in action it is full of people desperate to stay in the side," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"The players who are not involved will be bitterly disappointed but already keen to get back involved and get out on the field to show what they can do."