WINGER Dean Hammond insists Warriors will play a positive brand of rugby in tomorrow’s European Challenge Cup clash with Newport Gwent Dragons at Sixways.

Worcester search for their first win in the competition this season before the return fixture on Friday at Rodney Parade and Hammond knows the scale of the tests awaiting his side.

He said: “Newport are a very good attacking side so we’re going to have to be solid defensively.

“They are strong in defence too so we’ll stick to our structures and expect them to come at us quite hard.

“We’ll play a positive brand of rugby going forward into these two games but we are going to have to iron out a few of the mistakes made in recent weeks if we are to get the result we want.”

Warriors look to build momentum ahead of their Premiership clash at fellow strugglers Bristol on Boxing Day.

Hammond says Europe allows younger players to make the most of their opportunities.

He continued: “We want to do as best we can to get through to the next stage of the competition.

“Hopefully off the back of them we will take a lot of confidence into Bristol.

“Young players like Jack Singleton and Andrew Kitchener have performed outstandingly well when given the opportunity.

“Jamie Shillcock has also been superb and for someone of just 19 years of age stepping up and playing so well is great. You can’t ask much more of his attitude and performance.

“Josh Adams is another example too. They are all enthusiastic around the park and are taking their chances as best they can.”

Hammond has bagged two tries in eight appearances this season.

He added: “I want to be in the first team week in week out and putting in consistent performances to help us turn some teams over.”