IF there’s one thing Worcester Cavaliers’ Aviva A-League campaign has shown, it is the strength in depth of the squad at Sixways.

Although there will be disappointment with Monday’s 27-19 final defeat to Saracens Storm, the past few months can be seen as a huge success for the club.

When the dust settles, coach Sam Vesty will be able to look back on how Championship players mixed it with Premiership clubs and almost went the distance.

Defeat to Saracens was their first in eight A-League matches, having previously beaten six top-flight teams and Bristol from their own level.

While they weren’t necessarily playing against the cream of the Premiership, the opposition would have been made up of quality players wanting to force their way into the first-team reckoning at their clubs.

That is the whole point of the competition. It gives clubs an opportunity to see those on the fringes of the first XV in a competitive environment.

Warriors have embraced that ethos this season and it has paid dividends.

There is now an overlap between players who have been given game-time in the A-League, and the British and Irish Cup for that matter, and those playing in the Championship.

Ben Howard, for example, was deployed at full-back against Saracens just 48 hours after playing on the wing against Cornish Pirates.

Fly-half Ignacio Mieres has flitted between the two, while lock Darren O'Shea has become a Championship regular.

Worcester have a squad of 58 when the academy is taken into account and need an outlet for players.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan will know what he feels his strongest side is at any given moment, but it is fair to say that nobody can afford to rest on their laurels.

The A-League has shown there are players waiting in the wings ready to step up.