WARRIORS make their first trip to Russia in the European Challenge Cup this weekend, with head coach Carl Hogg looking for his young side to make the transition from the club’s academy to European level.
The Sixways side travel to Moscow tomorrow (Thursday) for their first Pool Three European Challenge Cup clash against Siberian minnows Enisei-STM at the Slava Stadium on Saturday.
Backs coach Sam Vesty will oversee the squad and Hogg is keen for the club’s youngsters to step up and impress in the Russian capital.
“We’re going to balance the squad out with a mixture of younger players. It’s a chance for them to put their hands up and take the opportunity,” said Hogg.
“We’re using this competition as a platform for younger players to step up. We’ve looked at growth within the squad throughout the last three to four years and this is an opportunity to expose players at a different level.
“Some of the academy players will have played for the Cavaliers, so this is the next step up for them. I want to see if they can make the same transition as Jamie Shillcock, Josh Adams and Perry Humphreys.
“Sam will take full control of the team and I’ll just have an overview from the background. It’s a great learning path for him.
“He’s a young English coach with a huge amount of talent and I’m sure he’ll travel far in the game,” Hogg added.
High performance director Nick Johnston admitted Warriors’ Russian adventure has been frustrating to organise, but insisted it will be a positive experience for the club as a whole.
“Moscow has been a challenge for us. Just getting into Russia has been a challenge,” said Johnston.
“We only had an invitation three weeks ago to get visas. It’s been a logistical nightmare.
“It’s frustrating but we’re treating it like another other European match. In a way it’ll be a positive experience for the club as it’s something new for all of us. That’s the way we have to look at it. Not many people can say they’ve played rugby in Moscow.
“We played the other team from Krasnoyarsk last year when they came over on tour, so we know a little bit about Russian rugby.
“We know they’ll be physical and being in their own country, I’m sure they’ll be keen to impress.
“Enisei beat Newcastle last year too, so we know it’ll be a stern test.”