FIFTEEN members of the University of Worcester Warriors squad will be involved in the Rugby World Cup that kicks off this weekend.

RWC 2021 is being played this autumn in New Zealand after being delayed last year and will see 12 teams battle it to be named world champions.

And despite the concerns over the future of Worcester following the club entering administration and being suspended from all competition last week, a sizeable number of Warriors stars are set to grace the world stage.

England are the big favourites to lift the title for a third time and are currently unbeaten in 25 international matches, which is a world record for any male or female side.

The England squad includes Worcester's winger Lydia Thompson and tighthead prop Laura Keates.

The Red Roses kick-off their tournament against Fiji on Saturday morning (4.45AM BST) and Thompson has been named in the starting 15 by head coach Simon Middleton.

England Rugby World Cup Pool C schedule: vs Fiji (Saturday 8 October, Eden Park, Auckland, KO 04.45 UK time), vs France (Saturday 15 October, Northland Events Centre, Whangarei, KO 08.00 UK time) vs South Africa (Sunday 23 October, Waitakere Stadium, KO 05.45 UK time).

But Worcester's involvement does not end there.

Wales are the nation with the most Warriors players in it, with eight included in the 32-strong squad by head coach Ioan Cunningham.

Backs Ffion Lewis, Lowri Norkett and Niamh Terry are joined by forwards Alex Callender, Sioned Harries, Natalia John, Carys Phillips and Caryl Thomas.

Wales Rugby World Cup 2021 Pool A schedule: vs Scotland (Sunday 9 October, KO 05.45am UK time), vs New Zealand (Sunday 16 October, KO 03.15am UK time), vs Australia (Saturday 22 October, KO 02.15am UK time)

Scotland also have a Worcester theme running through their group as Caity Mattinson is joined by forwards Lyndsay O’Donnell and Lana Skeldon in their touring party.

Scotland Rugby World Cup 2021 schedule: vs Wales (Sunday 9 October at Northland Event Centre, Whangarei kick-off 05.45am UK time), vs Australia (Saturday 15 October, kick-off 03.00am UK time), vs New Zealand (Saturday 22 October, kick-off 04.45am UK time).

The remaining two players from Worcester at the tournament come in the form of Paige Farries (Canada) and Minori Yamamoto (Japan).

All games at the Rugby World Cup 2021 will, for the very first time, will be shown live on free to air television, with matches shown across ITV and ITV4, as well as online.

All of the home nations' games will be live on either ITV or ITV 4.