WINGER Cooper Vuna is being lined up to play for Worcester Warriors in the British and Irish Cup final against Doncaster Knights at Castle Park next month.

The 27-year-old is yet to make his Warriors debut after hurting an ankle during the captain’s run ahead of the Greene King IPA Championship fixture against Plymouth Albion.

Ryan said: “We have asked for an application should we need to play Cooper in the British and Irish Cup, we could and we have received that. We have got a few games when we could see him.”

Warriors booked their place in the final after a 15-13 win against holders Leinster ‘A’ and face Doncaster on Good Friday (April 3) at 5.10pm.

Vuna moved to Sixways from Japanese side Toshiba Brave Lupus at the beginning of this month.

Before his move to Japan, Vuna spent three years with Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels, during which time he proved to be one of the competition’s most dynamic ball-carriers Vuna, who has played twice for Australia, could be fit for Warriors’ Championship clash against play-off rivals London Scottish at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

Ryan said: “Cooper is pretty active around the edges but we have got to get it right.

“It was a freak accident to twist an ankle and he’s pretty disappointed and keen to get off the mark.

“We have to balance his keenness because if we lose him again this late we will lose the opportunity to see much of him.”

Ryan added: “Cooper is just frustrated because it’s difficult being in a new place when you haven’t played. We are probably more patient than he is.”

n Worcester Warriors Charity Matchday, held on Valentine’s Day, raised £8,064.73 for Acorns Children’s Hospice and its vital work caring for life-limited and life-threatened young people.

The day featured a host of fundraising activities as Warriors ran out eventual winners 47-10, with money raised through charity ticket sales, bucket collections and the sale of Matchday shirts.

Worcester-based designers Beard were also on hand to create a piece of art for the day which was then auctioned off for the charity.

Louise Arnold, head of social responsibility development at Acorns, said: “Acorns has developed a strong partnership with Warriors and the fans over the years so it was great to celebrate this at the Charity Matchday.