WERNER Swanepoel is battling to make Worcester Rugby Club's opening league clash at Otley.

The Sixways' skipper has had a torrid time since tearing an Achilles back in April but remains upbeat on his fitness chances.

Swanepoel has been in plaster for much of the time since the injury amid fears that the tear was not responding to treatment.

However, after coming out of the plaster and then a special boot, the South African scrum-half is targeting Worcester's final warm-up clash against Wasps on August 29 for a playing comeback.

The Warriors travel to Otley on September 6 for their opening National League One clash and the club captain is staying optimistic.

"I hope to be running again at the beginning of August," he said.

"Then hopefully I can start training a bit more with the rest of the boys and get into it. I've targeted the final warm-up game for my comeback. Obviously I'm not going to be as fit as the rest of the boys but I'll just be glad to be out there.

"The injury has been a serious one and you have to be careful because a snapped Achilles at the age of 30 is a career threatening injury.

"There was a worry that it was not healing but we've got past that now and I'm finally out of plaster.

"I'm doing a lot of rehabilitation work in the gym and things are progressing but it's a bit frustrating because you want to be training with the rest of the guys."

Worcester brought in 10 new faces during the summer and Swanepoel is backing John Brain's shopping spree.

"I'm very impressed," he added. "Looking at the squad now it's clear that it's stronger than last season.

"If we do get injuries, we've got players to step in. We've got quality players who are flexible enough to play in a number of positions.

"It's up to the squad now. I don't want to be in position like back in April where we don't know what we are doing. That was a very uncertain time for a number of players because people didn't know what was going to happen with Worcester.

"We have to make certain of our own destiny this time and the only people who can do that are the players.

"We must make sure this time," said Swanepoel.