Worcester Warriors target Championship signings

Hill is refusing to name the players he wants to bring to Sixways

Worcester Warriors coach Richard Hill says he is looking sign five players from other Championship clubs in preparation for next season.

Hill says the players are all at other clubs involved in the play-offs but has refused to name them.

"A lot of Championship players would be able to play in the Premiership," Hill told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I have seen some top-fight players and, quite frankly, there are better players in the second tier."

Worcester begin their campaign to regain their berth in the Premiership in earnest this weekend with the opening round of the Championship play-offs.

Hill takes Worcester to the Memorial Stadium, his former stomping ground, to face last season's beaten finalists Bristol.

And the former Bristol coach has already identified players he would like to take with him back into English rugby's top flight.

"I would guess five Championship players could come into the club next year, those who I rate highly," Hill added.

"It's not until you are in this league that you realise just how good some of the players are.

"They may not all be frontline players, but it is for that back-up group where you want some young talented players that are raw, and can be coached and become better players.

"That is the key - to find players with the raw talent and right attitude.

I have potentially five very keen, hungry youngsters who will come here

Warriors coach Richard Hill

"They want to be involved in a big club like Worcester and prove they can do it.

"I have potentially five very keen, hungry youngsters who will come here.

"However, it is sensitive at the moment and we may be playing against one or two in these play-offs, for their sake it is best to keep it quiet for now."

Hill also revealed that Chris Pennell will start at full-back for the play-off game at Bristol on Sunday.

Skipper Pennell has only played four games since recovering from a broken ankle in a pre-season game.

The experienced Dale Rasmussen and former Bristol man Alex Crockett will start in the centre.