PREVIEW… Worcester v Gloucester-Hartpury Today, Kick-off 2pm, Sixways
WORCESTER will be without their influential captain Laura Keates for Gloucester-Hartpury's visit to Sixways today as Warriors make three changes.
England tighthead Keates, capped 56 times by the Red Roses, received extensive medical treatment on the pitch in last week's defeat by Sale Sharks.
The 32-year-old has suffered an ankle injury which will keep her sidelined for the ‘long-term'.
It results in a change being made to the front row as the hosts seek to rebound from that 11-0 defeat eight days ago, with Flo Long switching to the tighthead and Caryl Thomas coming into the starting line-up for her debut at loosehead.
Fans will be allowed to be in attendance for the first time in ten months at Sixways, where England U20 centre Megan Varley will partner Jade Shekells in the midfield and Taz Bricknell will start on the blindside flank.
“We can't wait, and the girls are so excited to play in front of their family and friends,” said Warriors lead coach Sian Moore.
“It's always such a good game when we play against Gloucester-Hartpury and we're really looking forward to it. It's always great to play on such a great stage as Sixways, but having supporters in the ground makes it extra special.
“Hopefully there should be some free-flowing rugby on show for them to enjoy.” Gloucester-Hartpury, who sit fifth in the Premier 15s standings after six rounds, have made two changes to their starting line-up.
Prop Ellena Perry misses out, meaning Cara Hope starts at loosehead while Ellie Underwood comes in on the wing in place of Kelly Smith.
Highly-rated full-back Mia Venner is named among the replacements.
