Luscombe hoping to deny old pals

South Africa-born Hal Luscombe has played 18 times for Wales

Worcester Warriors centre Hal Luscombe will be looking to put one over on his tenants on Saturday when he returns to London to face his old club Harlequins.

Luscombe, who left Quins to join Worcester in the summer, will finally make his first start against his former team-mates at the Stoop.

And he admits: "A few of the guys stay in my house in London, so we have had plenty of banter before the game."

Luscombe's debut for Worcester has been delayed by a summer knee operation.

We are trying to get into the upper half of the table so Saturday is a big game for us

Warriors centre Hal Luscombe

It was then delayed by a further week when last Saturday's home game against Sale was called off. And he admits that was a blow.

"I was all ready and fired up for my first game at Sixways, " he said. "But it was iced out.

"It's been six months of pretty hard work behind the scenes with the fitness staff and I'm just pleased to come out the other end fully fit.

"It's going to be nice playing against old friends and coaches and trying to put one over on my old club.

"It's only been six months since I was there and a lot of the guys I got on with really well.

"They are telling me they are going to get me and that makes for a very exciting challenge for me."

The Welsh international has been impressed with his old club's progress this season.

"They have done well in the Heineken Cup and in the league," added Luscombe. "But we are trying to get into the upper half of the table so Saturday is a big game for us."

And Luscombe admits he has been able to pass on a few tips to the Warriors coaches about his old team.

"There have been bits and pieces that have jumped out at me," he said. "There have been a few moves that I have been able to pick up."

There will be full commentary on Harlequins against Worcester Warriors on BBC Hereford and Worcester, on 104 fm and on line.