IT proved to be a difficult return to action for the University of Worcester Warriors as they were well beaten at Gloucester-Hartpury last weekend.

Worcester have been banned from all rugby after the club went into administration at the end of September but that suspension was temporarily lifted by the RFU in the week after new investment was found for the women's side.

There was certainly an element of 'it's good to be back' for Warriors but it was an afternoon largely dominated by the hosts in what was Worcester's first defeat of the season in the Allianz Cup.

Jo Yapp's side actually went into the clash having won both of their matches in the group stage against Harlequins and Exeter but were no match for a strong Gloucester side.

The home team were 43-0 at the break thanks to tries from Sophie Tandy (2), Mo Hunt, Rachel Lund, Neve Jones, Natasha Hunt and a penalty try.

The result was no longer in doubt but Warriors dug in and kept Gloucester to just one try in the second-half through Jayne Isherwood.

But despite the score, Worcester pushed for a score and actually ended up with three in the final ten minutes.

Victoria Laflin got the first and that was quickly followed by Carys Cox going over on her 50th appearance for the club.

And with time up, Florence Long crashed over to give the travelling fans something to cheer from what was an encouraging late display at the Alpas Arena.

Elsewhere, there was plenty of international involvement for Worcester players in the quarter-finals of the Women's Rugby World Cup out in New Zealand.

In torrential conditions, England booked their place in the semis with a convincing 41-5 victory over Australia in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Warriors winger Lydia Thompson largely watched on from her position as the weather meant it was very much a forwards based game but they did what they had to do and will play Canada this weekend for a place in the final.

Canada booked their date with the Red Roses after seeing off a stubborn USA outfit.

Worcester's Paige Farries came roaring onto the pitch in the second half and claimed her fourth try of the tournament from a set play in the 41st minute as they won 32-11.

Wales, backed by a large Worcester contingent, were unable to provide a shock result as they were dumped out by hosts New Zealand by 55-3.

France will play the Black Ferns in the other semi after beating Italy 39-3.