Warriors Matchday Programme | Issue 1 Warriors vs London Irish | Cecil Duckworth CBE Special Editio

CECIL DUCKWORTH CBE 1937-2020

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SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER, 3PM | V LONDON IRISH | ISSUE 01

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SIXWAYS STADIUM WARRIORS WAY WORCESTER WR3 8ZE 01905 454183 hello@warriors.co.uk warriors.co.uk CLUB DIRECTORY

CONTENTS 10

Owners & Executive Board Jason Whittingham, Colin Goldring Managing Director Peter Kelly Finance Director Lisa Wicks Director of Rugby Alan Solomons Coaching Staff Jonathan Thomas, Matt Sherratt, Mark Irish Academy Manager Mike Hall Academy Staff Dan Lyne, Mike Hill, Ryan Watkins, Jon Perks, Amy Wiggly Club Doctors Nick Tait Medical Staff Ryan Kehoe, Dan Walton, Chris Swallow, James Scriven, Lucie Beech, Jenny Carter, Karen Taylor, Nikki McLaughlin, Frankie Carr Head of Performance Johan Pretorius Strength & Conditioning Staff Ryan Fisher, Joe Green, David Fabricius, Jack Powley, Sam Julian, Harry Sharman, Josie Symonds Analysts Tom Tench, Blair Kingsland, Harry Strudwick Performance Nutritionist Jordan Higgins, Will Payne Players’ Chef Jerry Quinn Rugby Operations Administrator Alex Cox Kit Manager Chris Derrick Education Officer Lynette Cutting General Operations Manager Beth Reader Head of Stadium Operations Gené Willis Head of Commercial Gill Wood Head of Community Foundation Carol Hart Head of Community Rugby Steve Joslin Communications Manager Paul Bolton Head of Events Laura Napper Head of F&B Chris Jukes Head of HR Rebecca Barnett MATCHDAY PROGRAMME Editors Stewart McCullough, Paul Bolton Contributors Luke Summers, Nick Baker Photography Getty Images, JMP Design by Rebecca Linney & Callum Poole Publisher Curtis Sport

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5 CHALK TALK 7 COLIN GOLDRING AND JASON WHITTINGHAM 10 TRIBUTES TO CECIL DUCKWORTH CBE 18 SUPPORTERS CLUB 19 THE VOICE OF SIXWAYS 20 WARRIORS WOMEN 23 TODAY’S OPPONENTS 36 WARRIORS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION 40 COMMERCIAL 43 STATS 44 2020/21 FIXTURES 46 TODAY’S TEAMS

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CHALK TALK W I T H W A R R I O R S D I R E C TO R O F RUGBY AL AN SOLOMONS Good afternoon and a warm welcome to Declan Kidney, Les Kiss, the players, staff and Directors of London Irish for the start of a new season.

While we start the season with the usual excitement and anticipation, there is also a mood of great sadness following the death last weekend of Cecil Duckworth.

Cecil’s legacy is here for all to see. We have a fantastic stadium, and, thanks to Cecil’s vision and generosity, Warriors have become a Premiership club.

Cecil was a wonderful man who cared passionately about Warriors and who remained ambitious for its future.

His legacy extends beyond Sixways because Cecil made significant contributions to so many aspects of life in Worcester and Worcestershire.

As a successful businessman he became one of the city’s largest employers and through his support of charities and other community organisations, he has touched people’s lives and contributed enormously to the community. He was a wonderful, wonderful man.

The tributes elsewhere in this programme reflect the respect and affection for Cecil from those who worked closely with him. He will be missed by many.

We will honour Cecil today with a minute’s silence before kick-off.

We know that you would like to be here to share that moment. Sadly, the on-going lockdown means that we must start the new season behind closed doors.

Although we start the season in familiar surroundings, playing

rugby without a crowd is not something we enjoy doing and we share your frustration that you cannot be here to support us.

But we are playing rugby in the middle of a pandemic which is unprecedented in living memory and which has affected all areas of life across the world, not just rugby or sport.

We have all had to adapt and adjust to challenging circumstances. But we are looking forward to playing again and, as an optimist, I am encouraged by the news that a vaccine for Coronavirus has been developed.

That gives us hope that things will soon be back to normal and we will be able to have crowds again.

Since we played Saracens here in September, we have signed George Merrick and Mac Thomas, two experienced players, who will provide valuable cover for the injuries we have at the moment.

George, who has joined from Clermont Auvergne after a successful career with Harlequins, and Marc, who has played in the Premiership, Championship and Pro-14, are also fantastic blokes who have settled in well in the short time they have been with us.

We start the season without Ollie Lawrence, Duncan Weir and Cornell du Preez, whose performances for Warriors have been recognised with international selection in recent weeks.

To see Ollie, a homegrown Worcester player and a product of the Three Pears Warriors Academy, win his first England cap in Rome and then start against Georgia last week, were very

proud moments for everyone associated with the club.

Ollie is a fine player - it’s fantastic to see him out there in an England shirt and I’m sure that he is going to play many, many Test matches.

Duncan and Cornell both left Edinburgh to join Warriors and have regained their places in Scotland’s squad because they have played consistently well in the Premiership. It was particularly pleasing to see Duncan play so well in last week’s win over Italy in Florence in his first international start in four-and-a-half years because he is a really good team man.

Ted Hill has also been training with England. Unfortunately, he hasn’t been included in Eddie Jones’ matchday squad yet, but the experience of being involved in the preparations for an international match will benefit Ted and us.

Ted is back to captain Warriors today and although he will miss the crowd when he leads us out, we know that from the many messages that we have received, that you will be cheering us on from afar.

Finally, many congratulations to Callum Black who will make his 100th appearance today.

Callum also made more than 100 appearances for Ulster, so to play 200 games at this level is an incredible achievement. Callum is a fantastic bloke, a great team man and he fully deserves his place in our 100 Club.

Enjoy the game, wherever you are watching from, and please stay safe.

Solly

R.I.P Cecil Duckworth CBE, The Original Warrior. Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time.

Team Greene King.

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THE BOARDROOM WITH COLIN GOLDRING & JASON WHIT TINGHAM

Good afternoon, welcome to the 2020/21 season and to the players, staff and Directors of London Irish. It is great to be back at Sixways after the short break.

I’m sure you join us in hoping that we can get this season underway safely and, with the continued efforts of players, coaches and staff adhering to our strict COVID-19 protocols, we can play through the pandemic. Player and staff welfare are always at the forefront of our minds and decision making.

Sadly, we will start the season on a sombre note following the death of Cecil Duckworth, our President, former Chairman, owner and benefactor.

Our thoughts are with Beatrice, the Duckworth family and Cecil’s many friends at this difficult time.

Warriors’ status as a Premiership club, the magnificent facilities at Sixways, its Community Foundation charity and the family culture of the club are part of Cecil’s lasting legacy.

Cecil was passionate about this club and its community, a loyal supporter to the end and much loved by players, staff and owners, past and present because he spent time getting to know everyone and always appreciated the work they did.

The number of tributes that have been paid to Cecil this week has been overwhelming, though not surprising. The fact that they have come from across the world of rugby, cricket, charities and business, reflect Cecil’s many and varied interests and the esteem in which he was held.

He will always be part of the Warriors family – and rightly so – but Cecil was also a superb ambassador for the City of Worcester and the county of Worcestershire.

He worked tirelessly and donated generously to many charities and good causes, including the Warriors Community Foundation, our charity partners Acorns and his own Duckworth Worcestershire Trust, and he was also a successful businessman and entrepreneur.

If you have a combi central heating boiler at home, then you can thank Cecil Duckworth for

your hot water supply. His vision and expertise turned a small engineering company into a major employer in the city – now Worcester Bosch – in much the same way as he helped to turn Warriors from a small provincial rugby club into one of the top 12 sides in England.

This afternoon we shall remember Cecil by observing a minute’s silence before kick-off.

Understandably, supporters would like us to mark Cecil’s legacy with a permanent memorial of some kind at Sixways. That is something that we have discussed with Cecil but now is not the time for more detail. It is important that we allow Beatrice and the family to grieve and come to terms with Cecil’s passing.

We appreciate that supporters would also like the opportunity to pay their own tribute to Cecil and, as the new season will start as the old one ended, with matches played behind closed doors that will not be possible in the stadium.

Rest assured that once we are allowed to admit spectators again, you will be able to recognise and celebrate Cecil’s immense contribution.

When that will be, we are still not certain but the news of a vaccine for COVID-19 does give cause for cautious optimism. We continue to work closely with Premiership Rugby and the RFU on plans to allow spectators back into grounds that are safe and COVID-secure.

Rugby will always be exciting, but the players all miss the Sixways Roar and look forward to having you back to show your support. They know that you will be cheering them on from afar and, hopefully, following their progress on BT Sport and through our social media channels.

Thank you all for your fantastic support throughout these difficult times. It is appreciated and valued by everyone at Sixways and we cannot wait to welcome you back.

In the meantime, please stay safe.

Colin and Jason 7 WARRIORS.CO.UK

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PHIL MAYNARD

DIRECTOR OF RUGBY FROM 1993-2000 “’Correct,’ I replied. The rest is history. I sold him the dream basically, but it was the easiest sell in the world really.

“It was apparent in the mid-1990s that rugby was going to go professional and the club had ambitions to push up the leagues. What we didn’t have was the money to do so.

“The blueprint was always to go all the way to the top, develop the stadium, recruit talisman players and build a culture of success.

“I remember sitting in a meeting in the old clubhouse at Sixways and we worked out that we had something like £90,000 in the bank which was never going to be enough to fund professionalism.

“Cecil didn’t have a rugby background, but he had been down to the club once or twice.

He just asked me what the future of rugby was. I said that I thought it was going to go professional and we were looking to go down that route.

“The late Don Everton said that he knew someone who might be interested in helping out and that person was Cecil.

“We planned accordingly at that time and, although it took a little longer to get to the Premiership than hoped for, the progress was in line with the blueprint we drew up all those years ago.

“I had a meeting with Cecil at his factory and he asked me to draw up a plan which I did, and I went round to his house to discuss it with him.

“We sat in his kitchen, eating one of Beatrice’s delicious home-made cakes, and plotted the future.

“He said: ‘I’ve read your plan, but I notice that you haven’t named the person at the top. I assume that is you?’

“Without Cecil we simply wouldn’t have been able to take the club forward in the way that we did.

CRAIG GILLIES

“His legacy is immense – not just rugby – and he is going to be missed.”

WARRIORS RECORD APPEARANCE HOLDER “Cecil was a true gent, very unassuming, down to earth and humble, but the impact that he has had on Warriors, the city of Worcester and the local community, local charities and the engineering world is immeasurable. His contributions in all these areas will have positively benefited thousands of people and the effects far reaching.

organisation. It was that passion and care at the very top that made Warriors such a special club.

“In terms of Warriors, where I first met Cecil, myself and many other players will forever be indebted to Cecil, for without his passion, vision and investment we simply wouldn’t have had the opportunity to come to Worcester to ply our trade in the exceptional environment that he created at Sixways.

“The sheer number of posts and positive comments are testament to just how well regarded Cecil was and how many people’s lives he touched.

“Cecil was ever present at the club, always around, always visible, always happy to chat, always interested in what was going on day to day, and always caring about every single person - and their families - who worked in the WARRIORS.CO.UK 8

“As I’ve scanned through social media over the last couple of days, the tributes have poured in, people offering condolences and expressing sadness, people sharing memories, photos and stories of the good times they’ve shared with Cecil.

“There will certainly be a huge hole left at the Warriors and throughout Worcester and Worcestershire by his absence - he will be missed greatly by many.

“My most sincere condolences go to Cecil’s family and my thoughts are with Beatrice and his immediate family and close friends at this sad time.

“CECIL MAY SADLY NO LONGER BE WITH US, BUT ONE THING IS FOR SURE, HIS LEGACY WILL REMAIN. “

TED HILL

WARRIORS CLUB CAPTAIN “It’s obviously an extremely sad time for the Worcester Warriors community.

where we can get to as an organisation as we know this would be exactly what he wanted.

“Cecil meant a lot to everyone around the club and he treated each individual with massive amounts of respect.

“I know the players and staff will sorely miss Cecil, but we will always appreciate everything he brought to the Club and to the city of Worcester.”

“He was always so enthusiastic about this club and where it could eventually get to. Because of this, we hope to continue to push the limits of

NICK BAXTER

FORMER WARRIORS WING, WHO NOW HEADS UP WARRIORS’ AMBASSADORS INITIATIVE “I will be eternally grateful to Cecil Duckworth and Worcester Warriors for the opportunity to achieve my ambition of being a professional rugby player.

“I remember meeting Cecil for the first time when I signed for Worcester in my second year of University, I was in awe of his intentions of building a first-class set up at Warriors.

“He did not disappoint, and his vision has become one of the finest facilities in Premiership rugby.

“His passion for Warriors and the county of Worcestershire was unrivalled, but his legacy goes far beyond his involvement in sport, particularly his charity involvement including Acorns children’s charity alongside the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust.

“For the man who invented the combiboiler in his garage and eventually sold his business to form Worcester Bosch, he conducted himself in the most unassuming and modest way, but you always knew he had a side you wouldn’t want to cross.

“He always had time for people with a warmth and authenticity that was incredible and, post playing, he would enquire how business and my family were.

“I genuinely feel very fortunate to have known this amazing character. RIP Cecil. Thank you for the memories and, whilst you are gone, you will never be forgotten.”

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“HE DID NOT DISAPPOINT, AND HIS VISION HAS BECOME ONE OF THE FINEST FACILITIES IN PREMIERSHIP RUGBY.

JONATHAN THOMAS

WARRIORS FORWARDS COACH AND FORMER CAPTAIN “When I was here as a player, Cecil was always so supportive and optimistic even during the tough times. That’s what men of true integrity do, they give you that support and belief.

“That was just Cecil as man, let alone what he achieved in his own life as businessman. At Sixways he took Warriors from humble beginnings right through to where the club is today, a sustainable Premiership team and one that wants to kick on.

“When I last spoke to him, he was so positive about the future of the club. His dream was still to go on and win the Premiership one day. He was still massively ambitious and excited about the future of the club.

“He has left a wonderful legacy. Sometimes as coaches and players you can get ground down by the day-to-day works of the job, but I think that it is really important now for all of us within this club to add to the wonderful legacy Cecil has left.

“It’s important that, when we do move on in the future, we leave the club in a much better place than we found it.

“That is what Cecil would be proud of. He has captured the hearts and minds of everyone in the club and we will never forget everything that Cecil has done for all of us.”

MATT SHERRATT

WARRIORS BACKS AND ATTACK COACH “I first came here in 2003 and worked in the Community Department. What struck me is that, because of the type of person Cecil was, he took an interest in every aspect of the club and everyone who worked at the club, be it a Chris Latham or a Rico Gear or someone who worked

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in the ticket office, he was there and available to everyone.

“As an owner and Chairman, he was really approachable, and he had a deep care for everyone who worked at the club.”

STEVE LLOYD

FORMER WARRIORS LOCK “It’s very difficult to put into words how the loss of Cecil has affected me and will affect the county of Worcestershire.

“His input back into the county where he made his success will be felt for a very long time. The lack of his presence will be felt immediately.

“My personal relationship with Cecil went from employer to friendship.

“The start of professional rugby when I arrived at the club, was a very exciting time. The team that Cecil and Phil Maynard pulled together was one of great talent and rugby ability but, more than that, was one of huge friendship.

“Cecil had to be - and to his credit was - very patient with us and our ability to get carried away post-match. But we were winning everything, and we had fire in our bellies to gain

Premiership status.

“We just failed in my playing time to do that, but Cecil never lost the drive to carry on. He never lost the belief that Worcester Warriors would be a Premiership club and, with his other efforts both in business and charity, he was proved right.

“The county and city have lost a once-in-alifetime supporter and investor in all things Worcester, not just Warriors.

“Rugby has lost an innovator and supporter of our great sport and I have lost a man who introduced me to some great friends, a great club, a great city and, of course, my lovely wifeto-be Kathy Leather.

“I owe him a lot and will miss him greatly.”

NIALL ANNETT

WARRIORS HOOKER AND ACORNS AMBASSADOR “Cecil was one of the most genuine, humble men that I have come across in the game in rugby which can be full of difficult characters or tricky characters. He was one of the good ones.

“I feel particularly honoured and privileged to have rubbed shoulders with him for seven years.

“He cared about people which is a quality trait for someone who had so much going on in his life.

“When you spoke to him, you always felt that he cared about what you were doing, whether it was family or rugby.

“He always made it very personal He really cared about Warriors, but he also cared about the city of Worcester. He was just a fantastic human being.”

“HE CARED ABOUT PEOPLE WHICH IS A QUALITY TRAIT FOR SOMEONE WHO HAD SO MUCH GOING ON IN HIS LIFE.

ALEX GROVE

FORMER WARRIORS CENTRE

“Cecil Duckworth put Worcester Warriors on the map. His vision and passion steered Warriors through the leagues to Premiership rugby and he provided the club with some of the best facilities in the country. But he did so much more than that.

Duckworth Worcestershire Trust and Acorns Children’s Hospice who have benefitted significantly from his generosity. It was a privilege to play for Warriors under Cecil and get to know him. A lovely man who will be sorely missed.”

“The work he did with local charities was astonishing, in particular the 11 WARRIORS.CO.UK 11 WARRIORS.CO.UK

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JONNY ARR

FORMER WARRIORS SCRUM-HALF “My over-riding memory would be that Cecil was such a friendly, approachable and generous person. From the first time I walked into the club I noticed how he would take an interest in you.

“Whether you had played 100 or nought times, Cecil would always be around and have open conversations with you. He had a genuine interest in people and a huge passion for the club.

“He was always around the club, whether watching training or talking to the guys in the team room. He had a particular interest in the youngsters coming through and would always wish the guys luck when they played their first game.

“He would be the first to congratulate you on milestones, but also wasn’t afraid to ask the awkward questions if things hadn’t gone to plan, but only because he wanted the best for the club.

“Without Cecil it’s fair to say Worcester Warriors wouldn’t be where it is today - he left a huge mark on the club itself and I’ve seen the development at the ground over the years, from

turning up as a young boy at the old Sixways site, to the great stadium it is today.

“I remember him coming to watch training and he’d be walking up and down the touchline picking up litter and tape and tidying up the water bottles. That just shows that, despite being owner, no job was above him.

“He still was in contact with me after I left and was interested in how I was getting on outside rugby. He also played a huge part in my testimonial year and it shows how far he went to help out and assist the players in any way he could.

“Whether you had played 100 or nought times, Cecil would always be around and have open conversations with you. He had a genuine interest in people and a huge passion for the club.

“His legacy reaches the whole city. From Worcestershire County Cricket Club, to the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust and all his charitable endeavours, he’ll leave a massive legacy for the club and city.”

CHRIS PENNELL

WARRIORS FULL-BACK

“Cecil was always the most friendly, positive and supportive man. As a youngster he made a lot of effort to talk to myself and my wife and to get know you as an individual, which he didn’t have to do.

top and re-gathering it. A couple of weeks later, at our next home game, what Cecil said was in my head. I took it to the line, chipped ahead and the opposition scrum-half swept round and gathered it.

“But he did that with everyone, so my experience is probably very similar to everyone else’s in that regard.

“After the game Cecil came up to me and said: ‘Chris, instead of chipping over the top you should maybe hold on to the ball!

“He was very passionate about the club and the future of the club. Most of us have had a postmatch de-brief from Cecil after a few beers upstairs in the Pitchview Suite at some stage.

“It’s a huge loss to the club and to the city. He means such a lot to so many of us here. His legacy is the group of young players we have got coming through.

“I remember those fondly, particularly when he once suggested that when I caught the ball, I should try taking it to the line, chipping over the

“I am very proud to have had a good many years with him around the place, that’s for sure.”

“I AM VERY PROUD TO HAVE HAD A GOOD MANY YEARS WITH HIM AROUND THE PLACE, THAT’S FOR SURE.” WARRIORS.CO.UK 12

BRUCE FENLEY

FORMER WARRIORS CAPTAIN AND SCRUM-HALF “When I first met Cecil back in 1996, it was the dawn of rugby’s professional era and this quiet, unassuming, well-spoken man was explaining to me his vision - a very big vision. The green fields of Sixways, with its traditional local rugby clubhouse, located just off the M5 motorway were to go and, in its place, the new indoor training barn, state-of-the-art clubhouse, hospitality boxes, new pitches and West Stand.

“Understandably, I was initially dubious. How was a National League club ever going to fill that stand? However, the more Cecil spoke, the more you could tell this was no pipe dream, and so it subsequently proved - and some.

Cecil was not a gnarled former rugby player himself who, at the time, commonly filled committee rooms across the country, but already a fantastically successful engineer and businessman, who had grown Worcester Heat Systems from his own workshop into a global company. I could tell as he spoke that he was going to pour the same energy and commitment into this new project.

“Cecil had a steely eye for success and every investment in the club and individual within it was aimed to bring the best out of both. He had a thirst for knowledge of the game and I recall in the early years him sitting at the back of our team meetings soaking up the detail of

every pass or kick during the team analysis, often followed by pertinent comment.

“He would be there on the sidelines every weekend in rugby outposts across the country, be it Tynedale, Redruth, Blackheath or Bristol.

Whether it was a muddy field or a seat in a Premiership stand, he would be there with Beatrice, wearing the gold and blue scarf, proud to be representing the city and club on every stage of the journey.

“From the outside, Worcester’s inexorable rise to the Premiership seemed a smooth ride, however, it wasn’t always a garlanded victory march and Cecil was still there in support when the result didn’t go our way. I can still see the slight tilt of his head, raising of the eyebrow and the wry smile of commiseration, with respect for the efforts of both teams and the hope that the result would be more positive the next week.

“In more recent years, since my playing days, when we met up, he was ever gracious with his appreciation for all players, coaches and staff at the club over the years who contributed to create his vision of Worcester Warriors, Premiership Rugby, but we all know that it is upon his shoulders that it has been built and, for that, the club, city and rugby will be forever grateful.”

CARL ARNTZEN

FORMER WORCESTER FULL-BACK WHO STARTED AND ENDED HIS PLAYING CAREER AT SIXWAYS AND IS NOW CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF WORCESTER BOSCH “Cecil was a unique person, an extremely talented businessman and entrepreneur, a pioneer, a visionary, an innovator and at the same time a dedicated family man and a caring, fun person to be around, and of course a keen supporter of the Worcestershire area.

“He was simply one of life’s good guys and he will be sorely missed.”

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WARRIORS NEWS

OLLIE LAWRENCE TO START FOR ENGLAND AGAINST IRELAND Warriors centre Ollie Lawrence will win his third England cap in this afternoon’s Autumn Nations Cup match against Ireland at Twickenham (kick-off 3.00pm).

Having made his international debut as a replacement against Italy in Rome in the Guinness Six Nations finale three weeks ago, Lawrence made his first in England’s 40-0 victory over Georgia in the Autumn Nations Cup opener last weekend.

Lawrence played the first 60 minutes against Georgia and he will again partner Exeter Chiefs’ Henry Slade in the centre in the starting XV against Ireland.

“I’ve picked the strongest team possible for the most important game of our season,” said England Head Coach Eddie Jones.

“We have the highest respect for Ireland and their coach Andy Farrell. They have had good preparation with two wins and a dominant display against Wales, and we will need to be at our best on Saturday.

“We’ve trained well this week, we’re expecting a tough, physical game against Ireland and we’ve reflected that in our sessions. We’ll look to lift our performance even higher and are looking forward to a really good game of rugby.”

Today’s match will be shown live on Channel 4 and Amazon Prime Video.

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WARRIORS AWAY TO PAU IN CHALLENGE CUP OPENER Warriors will start their European Challenge Cup campaign with a trip to France to play Pau in their opening match in the preliminary stage on Saturday December 12 (kick-off 8.00pm GMT).

S4C – where Warriors will be looking for a repeat on their success of January 2019 where a last-gasp drop goal from Ryan Mills snatched a dramatic win.

It will be a second trip to the Stade du Hameau in two years for Warriors, who played there in a pool match in the 2018/19 competition.

Warriors will complete the preliminary stage of the competition with a home match against Pau at Sixways on Saturday January 23 (kick-off 3.00pm).

Warriors will then host Ospreys at Sixways on Saturday December 19 (kick-off 8pm) in a match that will be shown live on S4C.

Warriors are one of 14 clubs competing in the modified Challenge Cup preliminary stage from which the eight highest-ranked clubs as well as eight Heineken Champions Cup clubs will qualify for the Round of 16.

The return match against Ospreys will be played at Liberty Stadium on Friday January 15 – also live on

WARRIORS FUEL WORCESTER FOODBANK Warriors are again fuelling the Worcester Foodbank by collecting essential items of food and household goods in the build-up to Christmas.

“In the year ending June 2020, 8,204 people in Worcester were fed by the Foodbank which represents a 21% increase on the previous year.

Players and staff will be donating items, but supporters can also support the initiative in a safe and socially distanced way by leaving their donations at the door of the main reception in the East Stand.

“More than one in three of these people are children. This should not be happening in our city and as we approach winter and Christmas, the need increases and already the foodbank is running out of stock.”

The donations will be delivered to the Worcester Foodbank on Monday December 21.

Urgent items needed by Worcester Foodbank include: pasta and bottled sauces, tinned beans, tinned vegetables, tinned fish, tinned fruit, tinned meat, sandwich paste, jam, instant mash, squash, sugar, chocolate, children’s sweets, crisps, dry dog food, cooking oil, mixed herbs, salt, black pepper, deodorant for men, shampoo, sanitary products, small boxes of washing powder, washing up liquid, anti-bacterial spray and wipes, kitchen roll, adult toothbrushes, toothpaste, disposable razors, shaving foam and supermarket gift cards.

Please do not donate perishable food.

“This year has been catastrophic for so many people,” said Carol Hart, Head of the Warriors Community Foundation.

“People have lost their jobs, people are struggling to feed their children at home and people are isolated and vulnerable and do not have the opportunity to go out and earn.

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WARRIORS RUGBY SUPPORTERS CLUB This year was already set to be designated an ‘annus horribilis’ before the news broke on Sunday afternoon that our President and longterm benefactor, Cecil Duckworth had passed away.

As a serving soldier I have become accustomed to death, but nothing really prepares you for the sense of loss that overcomes you when you take time to reflect.

My moment of reflection came later in the day when I was walking my dogs. My village looks directly across to Malvern Hills in the west, but on this occasion something was different. A bright light was emanating from the Worcestershire Beacon - I’ve never noticed it before. It was very poignant, and I took a few moments to reflect on the legacy that Cecil leaves behind. A legacy that extends far beyond Sixways.

Cecil was a true gent. A man who didn’t stand on ceremony and a man who held everyone in equal regard. He was a man who was as comfortable picking up litter around Sixways as he was welcoming and briefing civic dignitaries and VIP’s.

I’ve spoken to a number of supporters and every one of them can recount a story of when they met Cecil, some scheduled, some impromptu in the lift, reception or the loo. He always took the time to say ‘hello’ and had a genuine interest in what you had to say. He made you feel special and the most important person in the room. A rare quality.

Tracy Birch, Treasurer of the Supporters Club, recalls the time in 2010 when the supporters offered their assistance in helping to clear snow off the Sixways pitch in order to allow a Boxing Day match against Moseley to go ahead. The supporters turned out in their numbers and Cecil, despite being in his seventies, joined in. He also ensured everyone involved received hot drinks and food - he saw everyone as a part of the Warriors team. This was typical of the man and he will be sorely missed.

Without his vision, passion and drive, Sixways would not be the place it is today and Worcester would not have a team competing in the Premiership.

WARRIORS.CO.UK 18

Many will not have met him, but Cecil has touched a lot of people’s lives indirectly, providing a social outlet on Saturday afternoons.

A place and position that we had probably started to take for granted until this pandemic came along. His passing helps put some perspective on things. We should take nothing for granted.

The rugby seems a little insignificant today, but Cecil wouldn’t want us to be downbeat. He’d be as excited as he was at every game he attended.

Full of anticipation, adrenaline, and belief in the boys; his boys, our boys.

I wish, along with all of you, that I could be at Sixways today to pay my respects, but I will have to settle with watching it at home. So, get your shirts, hats and scarves on, your pears or alien head, dress in blue and gold and enjoy what we have. Celebrate the legacy Cecil has left us. He deserves it. #ForCecil Bob Low

THE VOICE OF SIXWAYS

DAVE ‘BRADDERS’ BRADLEY IS THE VOICE OF THE BBC HEREFORD AND WORCESTER

To quote: “A legacy is a part of a person that lives on long after that person has passed away. A legacy also leaves behind the story of a person, so they are not forgotten” There are very few who will have left a legacy like Cecil Duckworth.

Sixways Stadium is only part of it, and it is the part that many will know Cecil for, but that is only part of the story.

A self-made man who built a multi-million-pound business, and then spent the later years of his life creating or helping to create institutions that will live for a long time.

We all have Cecil stories, here’s a little of mine.

I knew of him, but we first met officially some 25-plus years ago when he got involved in revamping the old club house at Sixways. I am sure it was a scheme called Sportsmatch where if you got a company to put money into your club the government would match it.

We had a natter after a meeting in the old clubhouse and from there things began to develop.

The great thing about Cecil

in all those years and with all the success - and indeed occasional failure - he was still the same man I had met for the first time. He always had time for people.

said: “That didn’t go to plan.”

He replied, “I’m not sure there was a ****** plan.”

When Warriors were coming up through the leagues and before I did work for the BBC, we used to get a mini-bus load of lads from The Albion pub in Bath Road, and go to the vast majority of away games (I was the driver).

I am sure as a successful businessman - and judging by the number of coaches, Directors of Rugby and the like who have passed through Sixways - that at some time Cecil must have been fairly ruthless, but somehow I can never imagine him raising his voice or shouting at people.

From Otley to Exeter, Blackheath to Wakefield we would be in the clubhouse bar before the game.

Cecil would always come over and say hello, thank us for going, and have a chat with Ricky Bowen, one of our number who used to work for Cecil’s engineering company.

If he caught up with us after the game, he would ask our opinion of how it went.

Not long after that there was a change of management.

My wife said on hearing of his death that he was a ‘gentle man’ and indeed he was.

How did he never get a knighthood?

Next time you or I drive into or past Sixways remember the word…legacy.

I remember a game at Rotherham when they and Worcester were challenging for promotion, a big game in the season, and Worcester were well beaten.

We were walking across the pitch at Clifton Lane and Cecil was also heading for the club house. I caught his eye and

19 WARRIORS.CO.UK

WARRIORS WOMEN

NEWS

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE GRADUATE KERSHAW RELISHING PREMIER 15S CHALLENGE Full of nervous energy and excitement as the team bus pulls into Allianz Park on the opening day of the 2020/21 Premier 15s campaign, Worcester Warriors Centre of Excellence graduate Abi Kershaw is about to make her senior debut against reigning champions Saracens.

It has all led to this moment, from picking up a rugby ball at the tender age of seven at Oswestry RFC, to progressing through Warriors’ Centre of Excellence under the watchful gaze of Benny Williams and getting her chance to shine for the seniors in the elite competition of women’s rugby.

“I was pretty nervous before the game, but as soon as you make your first pass, first tackle and have your first run, you then settle down and grow into the game,” Abi recalls.

“We have a really good mix of both youth and experience in the playing squad as well as an excellent coaching set-up, which really helped me prepare for my first taste of Premier 15s action.”

Abi gave a solid account of herself and her side were on course for a memorable victory in the capital, only to be denied by two late Saracens tries as Warriors returned to Sixways with a try bonus-point.

It’s fair to say that the Shropshire-born talent has come a long way in such a short space of time for Warriors Women, impressing in each of her side’s opening three rounds of the competition. Scoring a try during Warriors’ victory at DMP Durham Sharks in Round 2, Abi then demonstrated her technical ability with a fine display against Wasps Ladies in front of the TV cameras just over a week ago.

“I’ve really enjoyed having the opportunity to WARRIORS.CO.UK 20

play senior rugby with Warriors Women and it has accelerated my development as a player,” added Abi, who made her England Under-18s debut at the age of 16 in a 39-5 victory over Scotland.

“It has been such a big step up from playing under-18s rugby and I feel that everyone at the club has been so supportive of me. The coaches aren’t expecting me to do amazing things as it’s only my first season playing senior rugby, so that has taken the pressure off me and allowed me to express myself on the pitch.

“The Wasps game was a real experience for me, and it allowed me to see where I am as a player as Wasps are such a well-organised team, especially with the England internationals in their ranks.

“I guess I just wanted to do what my older brothers were doing and rugby really appealed to me,” she said.

“For me it was great to pit my wits against them and see what I need to work on in order to get to where I want to be in the future.”

Inspired to take up rugby by her two older brothers, the likes of Johnny Wilkinson, Beauden Barrett and Chris Ashton were players Abi looked up to as she strived to take her game to new heights in her early teens.

NEWS

“They laid the platform for me and Benny spotted me and invited me to the Centre of Excellence.

She really pushed me, as did Sian, and it’s now great to be working under Jo.”

MATTHEWS AND KEATES LINE-UP FOR RED ROSES

Alex Matthews and Laura Keates have both been named in the Red Roses’ matchday squad for today’s fixture against France at Twickenham (kick-off 12pm, live on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer).

Matthews starts at openside flanker, while Keates is among the replacements as England look to make it two wins out of two against Les Bleus.

Meanwhile, on her 116th cap, Katy Daley-Mclean captains the side and becomes the standalone third most capped England player of all time.

The final Test of the year comes too soon for Sarah Hunter who continues her return to play.

Head coach Simon Middleton said: “All the players and staff can’t wait for Saturday in what we know will be another tough game.

“We wanted to put smiles on people’s faces and we’ll be giving everything we have on Saturday to try and keep people smiling.”

15. Ellie Kildunne (Wasps FC Ladies, 10 caps) 14. Claudia MacDonald (Wasps FC Ladies, 11 caps) 13. Lagi Tuima (Harlequins Women, 5 caps) 12. Zoe Harrison (Saracens Women, 26 caps) 11. Abby Dow (Wasps FC Ladies, 14 caps) 10. Katy Daley-Mclean (C; Sale Sharks Women, 115 caps) 9. Leanne Riley (Harlequins Women, 39 caps) 1. Vickii Cornborough (Harlequins Women, 55 caps) 2. Lark Davies (Loughborough Lightning, 27 caps) 3. Shaunagh Brown (Harlequins Women, 19 caps) 4. Abbie Ward (VC; Harlequins Women, 44 caps 5. Morwenna Talling (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps) 6. Harriet Millar-Mills (Wasps FC Ladies, 57 caps) 7. Alex Matthews (Worcester Warriors, 39 caps) 8. Poppy Cleall (Saracens Women, 42 caps) 16. Amy Cokayne (Harlequins Women, 52 caps) 17. Ellena Perry (Gloucester-Hartpury Women, 9 caps) 18. Laura Keates (Worcester Warriors, 61 caps) 19. Sarah Beckett (Harlequins Women, 19 caps) 20. Marlie Packer (Saracens Women, 73 caps) 21. Natasha Hunt (Gloucester-Hartpury Women, 54 caps) 22. Helena Rowland (Loughborough Lightning, 2 caps) 23. Emily Scarratt (Loughborough Lightning, 91 caps) NPR: Heather Kerr (Wasps FC Ladies, 23 caps)

“We really want our performances to reflect the endeavour so many people have shown and are 21 WARRIORS.CO.UK

REPLACEMENTS

“As a squad and staff group alike, we would like to say a huge thank you to everyone within the RFU family who has made this game possible, to all the supporters who have wished us well over the last few weeks and to everyone for tuning in to watch.

continuing to show to keep our game on the field at such a tough time.

ENGLAND TEAM

Crossing for a try in the previous Test in Grenoble, Matthews is set to win her 40th cap and partners Harriet Millar-Mills and Poppy Cleall in the backrow.

“We set our stall out to work hard and never give anything but our very best over this series of games.

“My coaches at Oswestry RFC were a real inspiration to me too as they didn’t treat the girls any differently to the boys and they really believed in us. I would say that I wouldn’t be where I am now without their help and support.

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INTRODUCING LONDON IRISH

The 2019/20 campaign may have only ended a matter of weeks ago, but for London Irish, the 2020/21 season is one of excitement and anticipation for everyone connected to the club.

After a 20-year stay at the Madejski Stadium, the home of Reading FC, the Exiles are back in the capital for the new season.

Declan Kidney’s team will be playing their home fixtures at the new Brentford Community Stadium, the home of Brentford FC, from the start of this campaign.

The new state-of-the-art all-seater stadium, with a capacity of 17,250, is located in the heart of West London, with excellent transport links – providing the club and its supporters with a perfect place to call home.

On the pitch, Irish will be looking to build on last season, a campaign which eventually saw them finish in tenth position.

When the 2019/20 season ground to a temporary, yet abrupt, halt in early March, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, Irish were sitting pretty in eighth spot in the Gallagher Premiership.

Fast-forward to the Restart in mid-August and with various changes to the squad and an evermounting injury list, the Exiles’ second half of the campaign didn’t quite match what preceded it.

But a valuable win in the club’s penultimate fixture of the season against table-topping Exeter guaranteed they finished above relegated Saracens and struggling Leicester Tigers. With the club’s imminent move to their new home in Brentford on the horizon, a new chapter in the club’s history awaits.

The squad has been strengthened by Moldovan lock Andrei Mahu and the short-term signing of former Australian U20 centre Billy Meekes.

But it is the experience of Ireland internationals Paddy Jackson and Sean O’Brien, along with Blair Cowan of Scotland, that Exiles will be relying on to provide some consistency this term.

Jackson and Cowan, alongside Nick Phipps and Matt Rogerson, were this week named in the club’s leadership group ahead of the new season – and Kidney is confident that the quartet will provide a good base for the club to progress this season.

“We believe that in Blair, Paddy, Nick and Matt we’ve got a very strong leadership group for the upcoming season,” he said.

“Needless to say, it’s a collective when it comes to leadership and everyone plays their part - from the players, to the coaches and the rest of the staff - but each of the four players brings different strengths that will stand us in good stead over the course of the campaign.”

After today’s clash at Sixways, Irish host Leicester Tigers in their first outing at their new stadium next Sunday – a moment the entire Exile Nation faithful have been dreaming of for some time.

“I’ve been lucky enough to work in some of the best stadiums in the world,” said Kidney, “and I’m not just saying this, but we couldn’t ask for anything more.

“It’s up to us now, as a team, to perform on the pitch, because we’ve got everything we need to do so.

“We just want to be the best team we can be and give the stadium the team it deserves.

“It’s great for London Irish to be back home.”.

THREE TO WATCH BEN LOADER

Ben Loader’s rise through the ranks with London Irish continues to go from strength to strength.

The winger, now aged 22, made his Irish debut in the 2017/18 season, before going on to establish himself in the Exiles’ 2018/19 Championship winning team.

He made 18 appearances in the second tier, scoring 13 tries in the process as Declan Kidney’s side clinched an instant return to the Gallagher Premiership.

Those impressive performances earned him a call-up to the England XV squad to take on the Barbarians in June 2019.

MATT ROGERSON

BILLY MEAKES

Set for his 50th appearance in the London Irish shirt, Matt Rogerson has enjoyed life at Hazelwood.

Irish completed the signing of Billy Meakes on a shortterm deal last month.

The 27-year-old back-row joined from Jersey Reds ahead of the 2018/19 season.

He made his Premiership debut for Irish in November 2019 against Wasps and has since been a regular in Declan Kidney’s side.

He made 26 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring twice in the Gallagher Premiership.

The Australian centre agreed to link-up with Irish on a short-term contract until the end of January 2021.

Meakes was a part of the Australia U20s squad for the 2011 IRB Junior World Championships, helping them to a third-place finish. The centre also represented Australia 7s during the 2011/12 IRB Sevens World Series.

Having spent three seasons with Gloucester Rugby between 2013-2016, Meakes is familiar to the Gallagher Premiership surroundings.

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WARRIORS NEWS STATEMENT FROM CO-OWNERS COLIN GOLDRING AND JASON WHITTINGHAM

Warriors welcome the emergency funding from the Government for sports including rugby union which was announced on Thursday.

We are also very appreciative of the support for Premiership Rugby clubs from the Treasury, Department of Culture Media and Sport and, in particular, the Sports Minister and MidWorcestershire MP, Nigel Huddleston, in what continue to be extremely challenging times.

As our local MP, Nigel Huddleston took time out of his busy schedule to visit Sixways in September which gave him an opportunity to understand the difficulties we and other Premiership clubs have faced without the revenue from crowds during lockdown which is now into its eighth month.

Our discussions with the Sports Minister were helpful and constructive and we thank him again for his concern and understanding and for his positive response today.

protect players and staff from COVID-19 at a time when our income streams have been severely impacted by a lack of vital matchday revenue.

We are grateful to the support of our loyal staff, commercial partners and supporters who have stood by the club through some very tough times.

Staff have accepted significant salary cuts and our commercial partners and Season Ticket Holders have renewed in strength even though they do not yet know when they will be allowed back into Sixways.

That support has been both humbling but inspiring. It gives us renewed confidence that, when life eventually returns to something like normal, that Warriors as a club will emerge stronger.

The Government funding will not cover all of the losses we have sustained during these difficult months, but it is a timely boost on the eve of a new season which will start with matches again played behind closed doors.

Playing rugby during lockdown has required significant financial investment in measures to

BT SPORT TO SHOW ALL BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP All Gallagher Premiership Rugby matches played behind closed doors in the upcoming 2020/21 season will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

BT Sport subscribers will be able to follow all six games each weekend live across its TV channels, award-winning App and btsport.com. Once crowds can safely return to stadia, BT Sport will revert to the usual broadcast schedule.

Through an agreement between Premiership Rugby and BT Sport, eligible club season ticket holders will gain free access to home Gallagher Premiership matches on the BT Sport App up until Christmas (round 4) when the provision will be reviewed.

MATCHDAY MESSAGES Happy birthday to Sam King! Sam is absolutely mad about Worcester Warriors and is a walking, talking marketing tool for the club. Have a great day Sam! Happy 50th birthday to my wife. We have been avid supporters for many years and will be cheering on the team today! Love Peter.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !

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“It’s no exaggeration to say that Cecil has personally helped to support hundreds of local children and their families with children’s hospice care since Acorns in Worcester first opened its doors.”

Thanks to the vision and extraordinary generosity of Cecil Duckworth CBE, Acorns was able to open a children’s hospice in Worcester in 2005, known as Acorns for the Three Counties.

“We will always remember Cecil with enormous gratitude and affection. On behalf of the entire Acorns family, we send our heartfelt condolences to Beatrice and to all their family and friends.”

Toby Porter, CEO, Acorns Children’s Hospice

www.acorns.org.uk Registered charity no: 700859

35 WARRIORS.CO.UK

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

“

The Warriors Community Foundation pays tribute to founding Trustee of the Foundation Cecil Duckworth CBE, who did so much for the local community over the years.

The Warriors Community Foundation is the charitable arm of Worcester Warriors and exists to help build a legacy for sport, education, health, and social cohesion across the communities within our reach - the Warriors Family.

people to lead healthier lives, have totally inclusive access to rugby – no matter what their circumstances are, gain recognised qualifications, and move towards achieving their goals.

We are now in our eleventh year and continue to grow and develop. Cecil was a founding Trustee of the Foundation and has remained committed to the board until his death on Sunday November 15.

Proud to be at the heart of the local regions’ community, we care about the wellbeing of our supporters and local residents who we engage with through our diverse range of programmes, which aim to connect, inspire and support our communities.

As the official charity of Worcester Warriors, we use the unique appeal of the Warriors’ brand to support and improve the lives of our beneficiaries. We want to make more people proud - proud of their own achievements and proud that their rugby club, through the work of their foundation, is changing lives for the better.

The Foundation is one of Cecil’s many legacies and the Board of Trustees, and CEO Carol Hart will continue to work hard to ensure the Foundation continues to deliver its objectives across the Warriors’ family community and change the lives of many people for years to come.

We are committed to working closer with our communities and creating opportunities for

WARRIORS.CO.UK 36

DONATE TO THE WARRIORS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR EVERY TRY SCORED THIS SEASON! The Warriors Community Foundation are pleased to announce its new TRY GIVING campaign - which allows Warriors supporters to donate important funds to the Foundation for each try Warriors score this season!

During the COVID-19 Pandemic, many people have been affected across the region. The Warriors Community Foundation have continued to help support those most affected by the pandemic since the beginning of lockdown in March and that support is made possible by donations from Warriors supporters.

Visit www.goalgiving.com/campaign/wcf-try-giving to donate now.

COMMUNITY RUGBY After the success of the multi-sports in August, it was great to welcome our ever-popular rugby camps back during the October halfterm as well as going on the road again with our annual visit to Bredon Star RFC. With our COVID-19 protocols in place, the camps were all set, and we welcomed more than 80 youngsters across the three camps with our All Girls camp fully booked!

Overall, the weather was on our side and the coaches enjoyed being back out on the pitches working with their groups. All our sessions ran under the guidelines from the RFU for Stage D of the Return to Rugby roadmap, which meant

the focus was on the non-contact skills with a small amount of individual contact skills where appropriate.

Whilst we are currently in lockdown, we are looking forward to our return to Sixways with two two-day camps on December 22 and 23. Keep an eye on our social media for when you can book your place!

All bookings will be COVID guaranteed, so if you have to cancel our place or the camp gets cancelled due to COVID-19, your booking will be eligible for a transfer or refund.

We look forward to seeing you at Sixways soon!

37 WARRIORS.CO.UK

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COMMERCIAL NEWS WELCOME TO THE 2020/21 SEASON We had hoped that by now we would be able to welcome you back to Sixways but, unfortunately, COVID-19 protocols mean that is not possible.

We are working hard with other Premiership clubs, Premiership Rugby and the RFU on plans to ensure that when commercial partners and supporters can attend matches again, they can do so in a safe environment.

We share your frustration that, for a little while longer, you will not be able to enjoy and share your matchday experience with us in our hospitality lounges and private boxes. The players, coaches and everyone at Warriors miss the Sixways roar, but we appreciate all the messages

of support we have received and the continued financial support from our commercial partners.

We cannot wait for the day when we are able to welcome you back to Sixways, renew our friendships and cheer our Warriors to victory.

Thank you for your amazing support of Warriors in these unprecedented times and we hope that you and your loved ones stay safe.

We hope that it will not be too long before we can welcome you back to Sixways but, in the meantime, if you would like any information on commercial packages or have any hospitality queries please do not hesitate to contact the Commercial Team by emailing vip@warriors.co.uk

TRIBUTE TO CECIL

welcomed into the Warriors family!

The Commercial Team are devastated about the loss of our beloved Club President, Cecil Duckworth CBE.

Cecil and Beatrice rarely missed a game and were often the first people heading out to the balcony to take their place in their favourite seats - row B, seats 15 and 16. Not only did Cecil enjoy hospitality with close friends and family, but also chose to extend his invitations to away Directors, players families and prospective club partners, where his unwavering vison for the club really shone through.

As a department we have very fond memories of Cecil. He would regularly come into the office and make a beeline for the Commercial corner for his regular catch ups, not just to talk business but to chat to each member of the team about everyday life.

Cecil was undoubtedly a people person and went out of his way to speak to any new member of staff to find out more about them and to wish them well, making them feel like they were given special seal of approval and were well and truly

As a pivotal member of the Warriors family, Cecil really embodied the expression ‘treating others how you wish to be treated yourself,’ which is something that the team pride themselves on every day.

PARTNER AND SUPPLIER TRIBUTES Adam Hewitt, Managing Director, Adam Hewitt Ltd Very sad to hear the news about Cecil, a true Gentleman. I only had the pleasure of meeting him a few times, but he always had time to stop and talk. His passion for Warriors, Acorns charity and the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust was clear to see. It’s not often you meet visionaries that are so humble and caring. My thoughts are with his family and he will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.

WARRIORS.CO.UK 40

Craig Barry, Sales Development Manager, Greene King Brewing and Brands My deepest sympathies go out to the Duckworth family at this very sad time. I have had the pleasure of knowing this amazing man for a number of years and what he has done for the club and community is truly remarkable. He will be hugely missed by everyone who knew him.

Neil Williams, UK Pro Club Manager, O’Neills Irish International Sports Company Ltd We are very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved Club President, Cecil Duckworth. His key role in transforming the Club into a Premiership side while Chairman, as well as funding the development of the Sixways Stadium which is now one of the most renowned rugby grounds, cannot be understated.

Mr Duckworth’s vision and character earned him the respect of many within rugby circles and we wish to pay tribute to such a champion of his sport. He will be sorely missed, however his legacy will undoubtedly live on for future generations. On behalf of O’Neills, we offer our condolences to his family and friends and everyone associated with the Worcester Warriors family including current and former players, officials and supporters who mourn the passing of such a pivotal figure within the Club.

Richard Lane, Managing Director, EBC Group Cecil was a humble, gracious, modest, and a genuine man. He had great interest in others and always had a compliment to give. I will always remember and be grateful to him for the way he personally welcomed me into the Club and thanked EBC Group for our continued support.

Worcester Warriors have benefited greatly from his vision and passion - his drive and enthusiasm was infectious and achieving Premiership status was one of his many lifetime achievements. He was a tremendous ambassador for both Warriors and Worcestershire, however, his legacy extends beyond his involvement in sport and his charity foundation will leave a lasting impact on many lives.

Ed Dunn, Chairman, Three Pears Farewell Mr Worcester. Condolences to the Duckworth family and to the many, many friends he made over the years. His business and rugby legacy are immense. I first met Cecil as a supporter and have been a club sponsor for over 20 years after being inspired by his vision for the Club.

Martin Head, Director of A&H Construction Sadly, I only met Cecil on very few occasions, however I am obviously very aware of what he has achieved over the years, even going back as far as when I was playing! What a legacy he has left. RIP to a legend and Warrior.

Gary Cox, Group Managing Director, Sovereign Business Solutions When I captained Moseley during the 1980’s, we would send our second team over to play in the annual Worcester Floodlit Cup and would win the trophy more often than not. Then came Cecil Duckworth! As we know, he poured millions of pounds into Warriors and transformed it single-handedly into the Premiership giant it is today. A true icon of Midlands rugby, he has put Worcester on the sporting map and brought untold prosperity to the area. I’m sure I speak for all Warriors supporters when I express what a huge debt of gratitude we owe to this very generous and forward thinking ‘rugby man’.

COYW...Welcome to the Duckworth Stadium?

Muff Murfin, Station Director, Youthcomm Radio My sincere condolences to Beatrice and family. I will never forget all the memories over many years, both personally and with Warriors. Thankyou Cecil. RIP. Councillor Bob Brookes, Chairman of Worcestershire County Council I was very sad to hear of the death of Cecil Duckworth.

He was a gentleman, who did so much for the city of Worcester, not just for Worcester Warriors and Worcestershire County Cricket Club. He also did a lot for so many charities - he was a true ambassador for Worcestershire and he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and condolences as a Council go out to his family and friend

Steve Everitt, Group Managing Director, Exol Lubricants Everyone at Exol joins in this expression of deep sympathy. We are sorry for the loss of Cecil Duckworth, for his devotion to Worcester Warriors and dedication to his family. He will be greatly missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.

41 WARRIORS.CO.UK

FOR 6-17 YEAR OLDS

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For more info visit WWW.RUGBYCAMPS.COM

WARRIORS.CO.UK 42

PLAYER STATS 2019/20 2020/21 Player

WARRIORS CAREER

Apps (subs)

Tries

Cons

Pens

Dgs

Points

A

T

C

P

DG

Pts

Niall Annett

14(3)

1

0

0

0

5

66(24)

6

0

0

0

30

Luke Baldwin

0(0)

0

0

0

0

0

14(22)

4

0

0

0

20

Joe Batley

0(1)

0

0

0

0

0

0(1)

0

0

0

0

0

Ashley Beck

18(2)

4

0

0

0

20

20(4)

4

0

0

0

20

Callum Black

10(8)

0

0

0

0

0

57(42)

3

0

0

0

15

Anton Bresler

21(0)

0

0

0

0

0

47(6)

0

0

0

0

0

4(1)

1

0

0

0

5

9(6)

3

0

0

0

15 0

Will Butler Conor Carey

8(3)

0

0

0

0

0

8(3)

0

0

0

0

Justin Clegg

4(6)

1

0

0

0

5

4(10)

1

0

0

0

5

Matt Cox

3(3)

0

0

0

0

0

55(47)

8

0

0

0

40

Beck Cutting

3(8)

1

0

0

0

5

5(9)

1

0

0

0

5

Nick David

10(2)

4

0

0

0

20

12(3)

5

0

0

0

25

Tom Dodd

5(2)

0

0

0

0

0

8(4)

0

0

0

0

0

Cornell du Preez

22(1)

2

0

0

0

10

26(5)

2

0

0

0

10

Ed Fidow

4(0)

2

0

0

0

10

4(0)

2

0

0

0

10

Michael Heaney

10(6)

1

0

0

0

5

14(21)

2

0

0

0

10

Alex Hearle

1(3)

1

0

0

0

5

3(6)

1

0

0

0

5

Noah Heward

6(1)

4

0

0

0

20

6(1)

4

0

0

0

20

Ted Hill

22(1)

4

0

0

0

20

38(10)

12

0

0

0

60

Lewis Holsey

0(3)

0

0

0

0

0

0(3)

0

0

0

0

0

Francois Hougaard

17(2)

6

0

0

0

30

72(2)

14

0

0

0

70

Tom Howe

12(1)

5

0

0

0

25

33(7)

22

0

0

0

110

Perry Humphreys

17(0)

6

0

0

0

30

59(16)

18

0

0

0

90

Andrew Kitchener

8(7)

0

0

0

0

0

20(28)

0

0

0

0

0

Graham Kitchener

21(2)

0

0

0

0

0

61(34)

5

0

0

0

25

Jono Kitto

3(6)

2

0

0

0

10

5(6)

2

0

0

0

10

Matt Kvesic

5(0)

0

0

0

0

0

49(19)

10

0

0

0

50

Ollie Lawrence

16(4)

10

0

0

0

50

24(13)

13

0

0

0

65

Sam Lewis

15(6)

0

0

0

0

0

80(10)

11

0

0

0

55

Marco Mama

8(3)

4

0

0

0

20

50(12)

7

0

0

0

35

George Merrick

0(0)

0

0

0

0

0

0(0)

0

0

0

0

0

Isaac Miller

4(8)

2

0

0

0

10

4(15)

2

0

0

0

10 0

Morgan Monks

0(3)

0

0

0

0

0

0(3)

0

0

0

0

Caleb Montgomery

3(1)

1

0

0

0

5

3(1)

1

0

0

0

5

Joe Morris

0(5)

0

0

0

0

0

0(5)

0

0

0

0

0

Oli Morris

1(2)

1

0

0

0

5

1(2)

1

0

0

0

5

Matt Moulds

10(2)

0

0

0

0

0

10(2)

0

0

0

0

0

Melani Nanai

12(0)

2

0

0

0

10

12(0)

2

0

0

0

10

Kai Owen

0(8)

0

0

0

0

0

0(9)

0

0

0

0

0

Richard Palframan

7(19)

1

0

0

0

0

7(19)

1

0

0

0

5

Chris Pennell

17(2)

0

0

0

0

0

225(21)

42

32

49

0

421

Nick Schonert

15(3)

0

0

0

0

0

113(6)

3

0

0

0

15

James Scott

5(2)

0

0

0

0

0

5(4)

0

0

0

0

0

Billy Searle

4(3)

1

7

2

0

25

3(3)

1

7

2

0

25

Jamie Shillcock

10(5)

7

18

2

0

81

41(21)

15

43

17

0

212

Gareth Simpson

1(8)

1

0

0

0

5

1(8)

1

0

0

0

5

Marc Thomas

0(0)

0

0

0

0

0

0(0)

0

0

0

0

0

Scott van Breda

5(5)

2

0

3

0

17

10(7)

3

5

1

0

29

GJ van Velze

7(13)

0

0

0

0

0

91(13)

10

0

0

0

50 20

Francois Venter

8(4)

1

0

0

0

5

29(7)

4

0

0

0

Ethan Waller

18(3)

0

0

0

0

0

46(27)

2

0

0

0

10

Duncan Weir

19(1)

1

28

36

0

168

44(3)

7

82

77

0

429

Matti Williams

1(3)

0

0

0

0

0

10(17)

2

0

0

0

10

CLICK HERE TO SEE SQAUD PROFILES!

43 WARRIORS.CO.UK

FIXTURES & RESULTS 2020/21 FULL BACK

DATE

OPPONENT

H/A

COMPETITION

KICK OFF

TV

SAT 21

LONDON IRISH

H

GP

3PM

BT

SAT 28

BRISTOL BEARS

A

GP

3PM

BT

SAT 5

BATH RUGBY

H

GP

3PM

BT

SAT 12

PAU

A

ECC

8PM

SAT 19

OSPREYS

H

ECC

8PM

S4C

SAT 26

NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

A

GP

4.30PM

BT

BT

DECEMBER

JANUARY FRI 1

HARLEQUINS

H

GP

7.45PM

FRI 8

SALE SHARKS

A

GP

8PM

BT

FRI 15

OSPREYS

A

ECC

8PM

S4C

SAT 23

PAU

H

ECC

3PM

29, 30 OR 31

EXETER CHIEFS

H

GP

TBC

FEBRUARY 4, 5 OR 6

LEICESTER TIGERS

A

GP

TBC

12, 13 OR 14

WASPS

H

GP

TBC

19, 20 OR 21

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

H

GP

TBC

26, 27 OR 28

GLOUCESTER RUGBY

A

GP

5, 6 OR 7

BRISTOL BEARS

H

GP

TBC

12, 13 OR 14

LONDON IRISH

A

GP

TBC

19, 20 OR 21

BATH RUGBY

A

GP

TBC

H

GP

TBC

MARCH

26, 27 OR 28 NORTHAMPTON SAINTS

APRIL 16, 17 OR 18

HARLEQUINS

A

GP

TBC

23, 24 OR 25

SALE SHARKS

H

GP

TBC

7, 8 OR 9

EXETER CHIEFS

A

GP

TBC

14, 15 OR 16

WASPS

A

GP

TBC

28, 29 OR 30

LEICESTER TIGERS

H

GP

TBC

4,5 OR 6

NEWCASTLE FALCONS

A

GP

TBC

SAT 12

GLOUCESTER RUGBY A

H

GP

TBC

MAY

JUNE

WARRIORS.CO.UK 44

RESULT

ATTENDANCE

15

WING

14

CENTRE

13

CENTRE

12

WING

11

FLY HALF

10

SCRUM-HA

9

ALF

KEY TO STATISTICS

COMPETITIONS: GP - GALLAGHER PREMIERSHIP EPCR - EUROPEAN CHALLANGE CUP PRC - PREMIERSHIP RUGBY CUP VENUE: MATCHES AT SIXWAYS IN BOLD

PROP

1

HOOKER

2

PROP

3

LOCK

4

LOCK

5

FLANKER

6

FLANKER

7

SCORING : T - TRY C - CONVERSION P - PENALTY DG - DROP GOAL SUBSTITUTIONS : (NUMBER) POSITION REPLACED

NO.8

REP 1

REP 2

8

16

17

REP 3

18

REP 4

19

REP 5

20

REP 6

REP 7

21

22

REP 8

23

PEN TRY

TODAY’S TEAMS LONDON IRISH

WORCESTER WARRIORS MELANI NANAI TOM HOWE OLI MORRIS FRANCOIS VENTER NICK DAVID BILLY SEARLE FRANCOIS HOUGAARD

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

15 14 13 12 11 10 9

TOM HOMER BEN LOADER CURTIS RONA BILLY MEAKES OLLIE HASSELL-COLLINS PADDY JACKSON BEN MEEHAN

ETHAN WALLER NIALL ANNETT NICK SCHONERT ANTON BRESLER ANDREW KITCHENER JOE BATLEY TED HILL (C) MARCO MAMA

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

HARRY ELRINGTON MOTU MATU’U SEKOPE KEPU GEORGE NOTT ANDREI MAHU BEN DONNELL SEÁN O’BRIEN MATT ROGERSON (C)

BECK CUTTING CALLUM BLACK RICHARD PALFRAMAN GEORGE MERRICK MATT KVESIC GARETH SIMPSON JAMIE SHILLCOCK ASHLEY BECK

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23

AGUSTIN CREEVY ALLAN DELL OLLIE HOSKINS CHUNYA MUNGA BLAIR COWAN NICK PHIPPS THEO BROPHY CLEWS TOM PARTON

MATCH OFFICIALS REF: ADAM LEAL PR: MARIN FOX AR1: ANTHONY WOODTHORPE AR2: ROY MAYBANK NO4: PAUL DIX NO5: NICK MARSHALL 5TH OFFICIAL: PAUL BOX TIMEKEEPER: L AURIE BRYANT TMO: DAVID GRASHOFF

TAKE A WA L K

I N T HE S E B O OTS

Whether it’s the opportunity of a lifetime or it’s time to make or break, you need a team who can walk the talk.

At Gallagher we love your industry, know your customers and are part of your community.

From grassroots to elite, we are with you for the long haul. Every step of the way.

YOU R LO CA L I NS U RA NCE B RO K E R ajg.com/uk

THE GALLAGHER WAY. SINCE 1927.

Arthur J. Gallagher Insurance Brokers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Registered Office: Spectrum Building, 7th Floor, 55, Blythswood Street, Glasgow, G2 7AT. Registered in Scotland.

Company Number: SC108909. FP1345-2020 | ART UK-1721

47 WARRIORS.CO.UK

WARRIORS.CO.UK 48