SCRUM-HALF Luke Baldwin thinks Worcester Warriors’ supporters can play a major role in the club’s Aviva Premiership fortunes at Sixways.

The former Bristol player says Warriors are keen to make their home ground a fortress on their return to the top tier of English rugby.

Baldwin played 40 minutes of Warriors’ 40-21 defeat against Saracens in a development friendly at Bramley Road on Saturday.

Sam Ripper-Smith and Josh Adams scored tries for Warriors, while Ryan Lamb kicked three penalties and replacement Jamie Shillcock landed a conversion.

Saracens played some excellent rugby and led 18-9 at the break.

Warriors have just one more friendly – a behind-closed-doors match against Northampton Saints on Friday before the same clubs compete against any team in the league and get some successful results.”

He added: “We always talk about the 16th man in rugby and that’s very applicable to Worcester. All the supporters I have met are great and people have come up and introduced themselves to me and it’s always a pleasure to chat to them.

“Worcester Warriors have a strong support base and it’s moving in the right direction with the right facilities and the right coaching staff who are keen to improve as coaches and, as a result, keen to improve the players as well.”

Baldwin, who arrived at Worcester in the summer, will be battling for the number nine jersey with Charlie Mulchrone, Jonny Arr and Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier.

“I have had an up and down career,” admitted Baldwin.

“I won the JP Morgan Sevens with Saracens, made my kick off the Premiership season at Sixways on October 16 (7.45pm).

“Being in the Premiership is fantastic and it’s really nice knowing that it’s going to be a big test for us,” said Baldwin.

“But Worcester have a superb squad and everyone wants to be testing themselves against the best in the domestic league and the Premiership is the best place to do that.

“With the World Cup and players coming back we will be aiming to get the best start we can but we haven’t really focused on whether we will be battling relegation or fighting it out in the middle of the table.

“We want to think we can Premiership debut for Saracens against Northampton Saints and had the Championship final with Bedford but I am certainly looking to make a few more memories and getting further successes under my belt.”

He added: “We are not thinking too far ahead but the main thing we are saying is ‘why can’t it be us’ in the top flight and ‘why can’t it be now’.

“It will be tough and we are under no illusions but it will be tough for every team.”

Baldwin believes former Bristol team-mate Marco Mama will make a big impression for Warriors during his loan spell.

“Marco has got all the tools to be a world-class athlete and, in terms of his strength and his speed, he possesses the attributes capable of competing with any player in the league. He’s coming here to get that opportunity.”