LEGENDARY prop Tony Windo says Worcester Warriors must make Sixways a ‘formidable place to play’ if they are to avoid the drop.
The 46-year-old, who played for the club between 1999 and 2008, was part of a number of Warriors sides which retained top flight status and he insisted strong home form was key to their success.
Newly-promoted Worcester will host Northampton Saints on the opening day of the season and Windo believes Dean Ryan’s men will be keen to turn Sixways into a fortress.
“During the years I was there winning at home helped us out,” he said.
“We won a lot of games at Sixways and I know that is something they will look to target and make Sixways a formidable place to play.”
Despite adding Donncha O’Callaghan and Wynand Olivier in recent weeks, Ryan has a largely young squad at his disposal this season.
However, Windo thinks this has put Warriors, who secured promotion from the Greene King IPA Championship earlier this year, in a strong position.
“What is different now to previous years is that they have got a young enough squad to deal with the intensity of the league,” Windo added.
“I think previous in years the squad has been a little bit older and the players have fatigued as the years have gone on.
“But what Dean and his coaches have done very well is recruit a younger group and that will hold them in good stead as the season goes on.”