WARRIORS will be looking to prevent Leinster A from retaining the B&I Cup when they take them on in the semi-finals at Sixways on the weekend of March 13-15.
Dean Ryan’s men have won every match on their way to the semi-finals so far after defeating Moseley, Munster A and Nottingham twice each in the pool stages, before ousting Pontypridd 24-10 last month in the quarters.
And if they can overcome the challenge of the reigning champions, they will face a trip in the final to either Doncaster Knights or Bristol Rugby who contest the other semi-final.
Pennell shines for Saxons
FULL back Chris Pennell staked his claim for further international honours with a man of the match display for England Saxons on Friday.
The Warriors star played the full 80 minutes for England’s second string side as they secured a 18-9 win over Ireland Wolfhounds in Cork.
Fly half Henry Slade racked up 13 points, including a first half try, while Christian Wade ensured victory when he crossed the whitewash late on.
But it was the performance of Pennell which caught the eye of the Sky Sports pundits who named him man of the match.
Warwick joins Warriors academy expansion plan
WORK to expand Worcester Warriors’ youth set-up continues apace as Warwick School has become one of the club’s new junior academy centres.
Youngsters at the school will now work closely with Warriors’ experienced coaches, who will provide them with strength and conditioning, nutritional, medical and game support as they look to realise their rugby potential.
The Sixways club have already launched centres at King Edward’s School in Birmingham, Barkers’ Butts Rugby Club in Coventry, Luctonians Rugby Club in Herefordshire and Telford College of Arts and Technology in Shropshire.
Worcester duo get Sevens chance
RICHARD de Carpentier and James Stephenson have been named in the England Sevens squad for the Wellington leg of the HSBC Sevens World Series.
Stephenson will be in line to make his international debut along with Warwick Lahmert, a former New Zealand Sevens player, while de Carpentier is set to feature in his third England Sevens campaign.
England will face Papua New Guinea, Canada and hosts New Zealand in Wellington and England Sevens head coach Simon Amor is expecting a tough test.
“It’s a challenge, particularly with the inexperienced group that we have heading out there,” he said.
“But we’ve trained well and it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to.”