DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan has called Worcester Warriors’ trip to Twickenham “great for the city”, insisting supporters and players must enjoy their day.

Warriors will be backed by at least 1,500 fans at the home of English rugby as they face the Aviva Premiership’s reigning champions Saracens today (3.15pm).

Midlands rivals Wasps are facing London Irish (5.30pm) as part of a London double header at the stadium.

“It’s great for the city — and we need to go there and enjoy it,” said Ryan.

“A lot of fans went to fairly isolated areas of the country last year and deserve to sit in a comfy seat at Twickenham and watch the game and their team play – that’s what it’s all about.

“I think everybody involved with the club is really excited and we have to make sure we enjoy it.

“It’s a great opportunity for the team to benchmark themselves against one of the best sides over the last three or four years.

“It’s a huge challenge but one we are really excited about.”

Warriors have won two of their opening four Premiership matches since their return to the top flight but are still seeking their first victory on the road.

Saracens have won their last nine matches in all competitions since losing to Exeter Chiefs at Allianz Park in May.

Saracens’ South African loose forward Ernst Joubert will be calling time on his playing career after the match.

In a glittering career in north London, he has helped Saracens appear in five major finals, securing two Premiership titles and the LV= Cup.

Ryan said: “We are really looking forward to playing Saracens and it doesn’t really matter where it is played.

“Twickenham just gives us another element to enjoy the day.

“Six weeks ago we were not quite sure where we were in terms of the squad and four weeks in we have got a better understanding of where we are competitive and the areas we must get better at.

“We will be put under scrutiny by the most efficient and most brutal side in the Premiership.”

Former Ireland and Munster star Donncha O’Callaghan has played at Twickenham, but for most of Warriors’ squad it will be a new experience.

“I am told that 22 per cent of our squad have played at Twickenham and most of that percentage is in the starting group,” said Ryan.

“The game is the same wherever you play it, it’s just what you make of it.

“Whether you’re playing in a park in front of one bloke walking his dog or playing in front of 80,000 people at Twickenham, the actual things you do on the field remain the same.

“There is a clear difference when playing in front of a huge crowd compared to playing in front of nobody. The ability to manage the emotional aspect is key but the game itself doesn’t change.”