HEAD coach Carl Hogg insists Worcester Warriors will be taking a “serious” approach to this year’s European Challenge Cup.

And he believes his side's opener against Brive at Sixways tomorrow (3pm) is "vital" to their hopes of progressing.

Since reaching the semi-final in 2009, Warriors have failed to make it beyond the group stages with the club’s chiefs choosing to use it as a platform to blood youngsters.

But Hogg, who joined Worcester in 2013, said director of rugby Gary Gold was looking to mount a strong challenge in a bid to “build momentum”.

Worcester languish at the foot of the Aviva Premiership table after losing their opening six games.

But Hogg reckons the competition provided his players with a chance to play with more freedom.

“It’s a competition we are going to take serious and look to progress in,” Hogg said.

“It is a great opportunity to get away from some of the pressures of the Aviva Premiership and get out and express ourselves.

“Gary is very keen on (doing well in the European Challenge Cup) and clearly using this to build momentum and some confidence in the group, but to also progress.

“In the cup competitions you can get on a roll which can take you a long way.

“We need that momentum and confidence at the moment.”

After taking on Brive, Warriors travel to Ireland to face Connacht at the Sportsground next Saturday before facing a December double-header against French side Oyonnax.

And Hogg stressed the importance of getting off to a flying start in Pool Five.

“Like any cup competition your home games are vital, especially the first game at home,” he said.

“It is a tough group.

“I remember going to the Sportsground as a player and it was a tough place to go.

“Conditions are very tricky over there.

“Worcester have been to Brive and Oyonnax in the recent past and they are also to tough places to go.

“In European competition if you can get off to a good start then it can map out in your favour.”

Despite their wretched run of form, Hogg said his players were still “very buoyant”, but admitted a win would mean a “huge amount”.

“There are enough pieces of jigsaw that are turning up,” Hogg added.

“But we have got to make sure that when we get the ball we stay accurate, play within our framework and make good decisions.

“We have got to stay patient and faithful and the results will turn around in our favour.”