LOCK Will Spencer has been labelled as a “rough diamond” by Worcester Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold.

The 24-year-old former Bath player worked under Gold when the pair were both at the West Country outfit.

Spencer has played eight times for Warriors since making his debut against Newport Gwent Dragons in the European Challenge Cup in December.

Spencer will form a second row partnership with former Ireland and British and Irish Lions star Donncha O’Callaghan for tomorrow’s Aviva Premiership clash against Saracens.

Gold has been “unbelievably impressed” by O’Callaghan, who will skipper struggling Warriors against the reigning champions.

“The second rows are great athletes and I’ve been unbelievably impressed by Donncha and Will, who I know from Bath days, and I think he’s a real rough diamond in a positive way,” said Gold.

“Will is a real toughie and I like the way he plays the game and Daz (Darren Barry) played quite well last weekend.

“I think there are some good locks but they are going to have their work cut out this weekend.”

Gold saw Warriors for the first time in the flesh last Saturday after arriving from South Africa to head up the Sixways rugby department.

“Josh Adams has got great energy and is a bit of a livewire at the back and I thought he played well and there are a couple of full-backs I’ve been impressed with,” said Gold.

“Ben Howard has impressed me and I’ve enjoyed him.

“I like that Worcester have great youngsters and I think that’s where the club needs to put their time and energy in and it will bear fruit."

The 49-year-old coach felt Warriors’ 53-38 Anglo-Welsh Cup win at Cardiff Blues “confirmed some issues” for him.

“It wasn’t the strongest Cardiff team and we must be honest and open about that but we went there to do a job and the guys responded accordingly,” said Gold.

“We have a lot of work to do on our defence and on on our accuracy to executive certain things.

“When we do that, we can score tries and when we defend well, we can turn over teams.

“We need to make the points clearer and understand there are two or three things we will have to get right if we want to be in with a chance."

Gold continued: “I’ve been at the club for over a week now and I am really enjoying the group.

“They are very responsive, have a great buzz about them and I believe the group are generally up for this fight.

“There are a lot of things that need improving but when you have got a good attitude we have, you hope it will make the difference we want.”