JOHN Brain described Worcester Warriors' opening day Sixways duel with Gloucester as a "mouth-watering" clash.
Warriors kick off their 2005/06 Guinness Premiership campaign at home against the Cherry and Whites in the first weekend of September.
This is followed by an away trip to London Irish a week later.
The derby confrontation needs no hype, but Warriors' recent signings from Kingsholm, forward Chris Fortey and scrum-half Andy Gomarsall, are sure to add spice to the occasion.
Warriors' director of rugby Brain said: "Obviously, it's an intense local derby in any event.
"The fact that we have just signed Chris Fortey from Gloucester and, with all the connections, it makes it an even more mouth-watering prospect for our supporters.
"It's an ideal game for them. Through their efforts, the atmosphere has been hostile and intimidating for opponents. It makes Sixways a difficult place to play and what better to reproduce that than the first game of the season against derby opposition."
Former Gloucester coach Brain added: "We are looking forward to it. The start of the season is three months away, but I'm sure it will soon pass.
"Our ambition is to finish in a higher position than last season and it's important we get off to a good start. Last season, we won six of our 11 home league games and we will be aiming to win more next season."
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