WORCESTER Rugby club will be able to give fringe first team players vital experience this season after launching a new reserve side.

Worcester Warriors were today unveiled with chief executive Geoff Cooke hailing it as the solution to a long-running problem.

Last season, Sixways' seconds were struggling to find any meaningful fixtures to prepare players for first-team action.

Cooke said: "The Warriors will be able to play top quality matches and give opportunities to fringe first team players, members of the professional side and also up-and-coming players from our youth sides.

"Top quality mid-week games will also give our supporters the chance to enjoy more rugby at Sixways."

The Warriors, who will play a combination of mid-week and Saturday friendly matches, will include professional squad players and give a chance to up-and-coming talent from the under-21 and colts sides.

They begin their campaign with a trip to Sale Jets on September 20, before the first home game with Rugby Nighthawks on October 4.

Meanwhile, Worcester have switched three Saturday home games to Sunday because of international fixtures.

Otley now travel to Worcester on Sunday, November 19, while Birmingham arrive on December 3 and Waterloo on February 4.