THEY may be tough rugby players, but even the Warriors aren't immune to the cuteness of the animals at a Worcestershire rescue centre.

Worcester Warriors took time out of their busy training schedule to help care for homeless animals at the Blue Cross rehoming centre in Bromsgrove on Monday.

Forwards James Percival, Matt Cox and Mike Daniels visited the centre where they cuddled kittens, played fetch with dogs, cleaned out the kennels and delivered the animals their breakfasts.

Mr Percival said: "The players are very passionate about the work we do in the community and we have a lot of animal lovers in the squad so the Blue Cross is the perfect charity for us to work with.

"We'll be grafting hard when we're at the centre and making sure all the important jobs are done to take some of the pressure off the other staff and volunteers.

"As rugby players we are often labelled as big and physical but I'm sure people will be able to see another side to us when we're looking after these pets."

The Warriors will pay fortnightly visits to the centre throughout the rugby season, helping out in whatever way they can.

Samantha Homer, an animal welfare assistant at the centre, said: "We really appreciate the commitment and hard work of all of our volunteers and the added support from the Warriors is amazing.

"We are so grateful that they have taken time out of their busy training schedule to help us care for the pets — we think both the players and the pets really enjoyed it."

Warriors continue to support charities and community programmes across the whole of the West Midlands.

The Blue Cross is trying to raise £1.9million to rebuild the current centre.

The centre's rebuild is due to start later this year and the new facilities include a special admissions area, an isolation unit for sick animals, a veterinary suite, puppy and kitten housing as well as major refurbishment to the centre's kennels.

For more information about the appeal visit www.bluecross.org.uk/bromsgrove.