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."