WORCESTER Rugby Club open their pre-season campaign with a friendly against Irish side Connaught at Sixways tomorrow (3.00).

The Gold 'n' Blues have named a squad of 31 to take part in the match with the tourists.

And Welsh rivals Bridgend will be at Sixways as part of the club's open day on Sunday, August 8.

The top-flight Welsh outfit, including former Sixways centre John Devereux, will be top of a three match bill which will include sides from Malvern and Kidderminster Carolians.

Malvern will play a Worcester XV, likely to include the club's second string, while KCs are expected to play against Worcester's development side.

The summer merry go round at Sixways continues to turn with three more players leaving.

Prop Pete Mitchell has signed for Premiership Two rivals Moseley while flanker Paul Manley has joined Rotherham after securing a teaching job in the north.

The third departure sees 22-year-old scrum-half Adam Martin joining Jewson National League Walsall, where he will be reunited with flanker Gary Clark and coach Bob Harknett.

"I felt I needed the opportunity to play a bit more league rugby and I've been given the chance to do that at Walsall," said Martin.

"It's also nice to go to a club where I already know the coach and one of the most influential players.

"Walsall will be a good stepping stone for me as I will get some league experience under my belt.

"I was missing out a little bit at Worcester but it's good I've now been given that opportunity."

Martin, a former Midlands U21 scrum-half, joined Worcester aged seven and has not ruled out a return to Sixways in years to come.

"I would definitely consider a move back at some stage as I've played most of my rugby at Worcester," he added.