HEAD coach Carl Hogg insists he is ‘very comfortable’ with his squad ahead of the new Aviva Premiership campaign.
Hogg and his Warriors side flew out to Tignes, France, yesterday to officially begin their pre-season training ahead of clashes against Clermont Auvergne, Jersey and Munster.
The former Melrose, Edinburgh and Scotland back row expressed his delight with the squad’s hard work so far.
“We’ve just come through an intense block of three weeks and I’m very proud of the players for working extremely hard.
“We’ve had a really good balance between working hard conditioning-wise and with the rugby element, so we’re in really good shape and spirits,” said Hogg.
“The altitude training will be tough but it’s also a chance for the young and new players to get to know each other better and bond as a group, within a squad of 43.
“We’re looking forward to our first test against Clermont. It should be a fantastic contest. We’ll be looking to get a balance over the five pre-season games, but we’ll have to use two separate groups because of the nature of both midweek and weekend matches.
“We’ll look to go fully loaded in the games against Clermont, Jersey and Munster, but will mix it up in the midweek matches against Bristol and RGC 1404.
“I’m always on the lookout for quality players, but we’re very comfortable and happy with the squad we’ve got.
“If there is an opportunity for someone to come in and enhance the group we’ll always look at them,” he added.
Hogg also revealed South African back row GJ van Velze will skipper the Sixways outfit for another campaign.
“GJ will be captain for us again this season as he’s a fantastic leader on the field and can strategically sit above the chaos in a game to make smart and clear decisions.”
