STRIKING a balance will be key for Worcester Warriors during their pre-season fixtures, insists head coach Carl Hogg.

Warriors have arranged five warm-up matches, including away tests at both Clermont Auvergne and Munster.

They will also play home development matches against Bristol and Colwyn Bay's RGC on the new artificial surface at Sixways.

Hogg admits Warriors will be using “two separate groups” in the run-up to their tough Aviva Premiership opener against champions Saracens at Twickenham on September 3 (2pm).

“We will look to get a balance over the five games,” said Hogg.

“There are three weekend fixtures and two midweek fixtures.

“There will be two separate groups by the nature of midweek and weekend fixtures.”

Warriors travel to Tignes in France tomorrow for an intensive pre-season camp before taking on French giants Clermont on Friday, August 12 (7pm BST).

Warriors will then meet Bristol at Sixways in a development fixture on Thursday, August 18 (7.30pm) before heading to Championship outfit Jersey on Saturday, August 20 (2.30pm).

Worcester will host Welsh Championship outfit Colwyn Bay's RGC 1404 (kick-off to be confirmed) on Wednesday, August 24 and wrap up their pre-season programme against Pro-12 club Munster at Irish Independent Park on Friday, August 26 (7pm).

“We are all fully fit and ready to go,” said Hogg.

“We have Clermont, Munster and Jersey and we will look to go fully-loaded against Munster in preparation for the Saracens match.

“We will probably look to mix things up for the midweek fixtures and try to create opportunities.”