Ashley Beck will make his 50th appearance for Worcester Warriors as they welcome Northampton Saints to Sixways in a Saturday afternoon clash.
The Welsh international’s first season at the club was curtailed by a broken ankle but he has since become a consistent performer in the Premiership.
Scotland international and British and Irish Lion Rory Sutherland returns to the side following his sending off in the defeat to Bath three weeks ago.
Billy Searle moves from fly half to full back after Jamie Shillcock’s injury as England U20 star Fin Smith takes the reins at 10.
News broke earlier this week that Steve Diamond will become the club’s director of rugby at the end of the season after Alan Solomons retires from coaching at the end of June. Diamond had joined the club in November as Lead Rugby Consultant to lend his considerable experience to the existing coaching department.
Ahead of the game Diamond said: “Success is measured in terms of games won, and we will certainly put everything into our home games.
“With the backline we’ve got we will be playing rugby and taking risks and I have no doubt we can score tries.
“But the set piece and defence aren’t where we want it to be and that will be a focus for us. Northampton will be a big challenge for us, but we will be up for it.”
On the other hand, Fraser Dingwall will captain Northampton for the first time on his 50th Premiership appearance this weekend.
Matt Proctor is welcomed back from injury and is amongst the replacement after signing a new contract during the week.
He is joined on an impressive bench that boasts the likes of James Grayson, Tom James, Alex Coles, and Brandon Nansen.
Internationals Dan Biggar and Rory Hutchinson make their final appearances before departing into their respected Six Nations camps.
However, England internationals Tommy Freeman, George Furbank, Courtney Lawes and Lewis Ludlam are unavailable for selection.
Last time out in the Premiership the Saints romped to a 44-8 victory away to Newcastle Falcons, which was followed by a 24-20 defeat at home to Ulster in the Champions Cup.
Written by Ben Jaycock
Come back to therugbypaper.co.uk on Sunday for the best reaction, news and round ups from the weekend’s action across all levels of rugby, as we continue to remind you why you love our beautiful game.
Features
OSCAR WILSON
BUCS Super Rugby
Cardiff Met’s Gus Patterson on becoming Bridgend’s next rugby star
The best betting sites
Pingback: additional info