WORCESTER Warriors have pulled off something of a coup by lining up a glamorous pre-season friendly clash with Super 15 giants the Melbourne Rebels at Sixways.

Warriors are in advanced talks with the Rebels and are confident the Sixways squad will now face Super 15 opposition for the first time in the club's history in the opening pre-season fixture on August 15.

Officials from the Melbourne Rebels - the Super 15's newest side - visited the home of the Warriors last month to tour the facilities and meet with head coach Richard Hill as they look to firm up details of a playing tour to the British Isles.

Rebels stars Danny Cipriani, Australian legend Stirling Mortlock, Wales international Gareth Delve and former England ace Michael Lipman could all be in action at Sixways and it would be a marked departure from the uninspiring pre-season fixtures of recent years against the likes of Doncaster, Moseley and Newport Gwent Dragons.

Charlie Little, general manager at Warriors, said: "We are delighted to inform our supporters that we are in discussions with the Melbourne Rebels to bring them to Sixways for a real showpiece fixture to kick-off our pre-season plans.

"We've been visited by officials representing the Rebels who were very impressed by the facilities we have here at Sixways and have stated they are now keen to secure an evening fixture with the Warriors on Monday, August 15.

"We are aware that many fans are now in the process of planning summer holidays and so we are keen to give them as much opportunity as possible to know that this game is likely to go ahead so they can keep such a big date in our club's history clear.

"The game will be an all-pay fixture due to the costs involved in bringing a touring team over to England. However, season ticket holders that renew by the end of July, allowing us time to process their details ahead of the game, will get a beneficial price."

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