Worcester go for Dragons warm-up

Ruddock coached the Dragons for two years

Worcester Warriors will travel to Heineken Cup side Newport Gwent Dragons as part of the pre-season schedule.

They will travel to Rodney Parade on Friday, August 21 (kick-off 1915 BST) ahead of the new Guinness Premiership season.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock admits he is looking forward to a return to Newport.

Ruddock said: "I used to coach the Dragons in the first season of regional rugby in Wales."

"I have very fond memories of the Newport stadium and their fans, they were incredibly supportive and in the same mould as the Warriors fans," Ruddcok continued.

It will be Worcester's second full game in the schedule following an opening game with Doncaster Knights at Sixways.

The team will also be in action when they take part in the prestigious Middlesex Charity Sevens at Twickenham on Saturday, August 15.

All 12 Guinness Premiership sides will be competing along with four guest sides.

Warriors have also confirmed they will face local side Droitwich RFC on Saturday, August 29.

Ruddock is looking ahead to a return to Newport.

"We follow the Newport trip with the game against Ulster, and we feel this will be the best preparation for the new season," he said.

"However, sandwiched between the Ulster game and first league game will be a match with Droitwich.

"They have been very supportive of the Warriors and we made use of their excellent pitches on many occasions during the last season.

"We would like to repay them for their hospitality and kindness by taking a strong team to Droitwich and developing closer links with them in the future."

WARRIORS PRE-SEASON FIXTURES:

Friday, August 14 - Worcester Warriors v Doncaster Knights at Sixways (kick-off 1930 BST)

Saturday, August 15 - Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham

Friday, August 21 - Newport Gwent Dragons v Worcester Warriors (kick-off 1915 BST)

Friday, August 28 - Worcester Warriors v Ulster Rugby at Sixways (kick-off 1930 BST)

Saturday, August 29 - Droitwich v Worcester Warriors (kick-off TBC)