DESPITE Worcester Rugby Club's table-topping form this year, the season starts this afternoon for flanker Nick Broughton.

The 27-year-old makes his first appearance in a Worcester shirt since his summer move from Bedford, admitting his first few months at Sixways have left him frustrated.

Broughton made the switch to Sixways after a miserable season with Bedford after playing just a handful of games.

The New Zealand-born player was registered as an overseas star despite qualifying to play for Scotland and therefore was down the pecking order with, among others, Alistair Murdoch ahead of him.

However, he was hoping to take his chance today when he was due to line up in the Worcester side to face Tynedale in their Tetley Bitter Cup fourth round tie.

He said: "It's been frustrating since my move but the team have been winning so you can't complain. It's up to me to take my chance when I get it and I fully intend to do that at Tynedale.

Massive

"It's not going to be the easiest of games because they will be up for it but we need to make sure we are totally focussed.

"There is a great spirit within the side at present and we are all full of confidence. I will be pleased with a solid performance because there is a massive incentive with the Saracens tie next week."

Worcester would be due to play Saracens in round five of the cup if they overcome Tynedale and a trip to Vicarage Road is something Broughton would relish.

He said: "It would be great for the players and the club if we can go to Saracens and cause an upset -- but we need to deal with Tynedale first."

Broughton, despite feeling frustrated at his lack of first team chances, said the move from Bedford was made easier with so many familiar faces at the club.

Murdoch, Virgil Hartland, Alistair McLean and Dan Zaltzman made the move from Goldington Road as well as coach Adrian Skeggs.

Broughton said: "We had a sort of siege mentality at Bedford last year because of the financial situation but we are very close at Worcester.

"I'm enjoying myself here and will just be delighted to get a game at Tynedale."