GIANT lock James Percival, full-back Errie Claassens and scrum-half Shaun Perry are all handed their league debuts for Worcester Warriors as the club celebrates a return to the top-flight.

The Sixways side entertain Sale Sharks tomorrow (3pm) with the trio of summer recruits are all rewarded for impressive form during pre-season with starting spots as head coach Richard Hill sends his new-look Warriors into battle for the first time.

Marcel Garvey and Miles Benjamin, who between them scored a total of 48 tries in the league and cup last season, provide the firepower out wide while Alex Grove and Dale Rasmussen will give the midfield plenty of steel.

Fly-half Andy Goode returns to the top-flight of the English game and could go second in the all-time point scoring charts as he is just five behind England legend Jonny Wilkinson.

Kai Horstmann will captain the team from the back row while Ed Shervington is given the nod at hooker and will partner Matt Mullan and Tevita Taumoepeau in the front row.

Former Sale player Chris Jones could face his old club as he is named among the replacements alongside fellow close season arrival George Porter.

“It is crucial, as the new boys in the league, to get off to a good start. We want to set a positive tone from day one,” Hill said.

“We know it is going to be a serious challenge for us this season and as a result everyone has worked exceptionally hard to reach the opening game in the best possible shape.

“The spirit among the players is excellent and the new signings have settled quickly. Some have really put themselves forward in pre-season and as a result James Percival, Shaun Perry and Errie Claassens are rewarded with full home debuts.

“The opening day of any season is always filled full of hope and promise for the year ahead and the Warriors are champing at the bit to get started.”

Warriors: Claassens; Garvey, Grove, Rasmussen, Benjamin; Goode, Perry; Mullan, Shervington, Taumoepeau, Percival, Gillies, Best, Abbott, Horstmann (capt). Reps: Fortey, Porter, Douglas, Jones, Kvesic, Arr, Carlisle, Pennell.