Play-off quarter-final: Worcester Warriors line-up v Chinnor

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WORCESTER Warriors have made six changes for their play-off clash with Chinnor, including the return of three players who had been out injured.

The winner of the one-legged, knockout match tomorrow (Saturday, May 16), will progress to the Champ Rugby semi-finals against either Ealing Trailfinders or Bedford Blues.


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Three changes have been made to the pack, with Austin Wallis and Ashley Challenger starting at hooker and prop respectively, replacing Archie Vanes and Fraser Balmain.

Former Exeter Chiefs prop Billy Keast keeps his place in the front-row.

Hallam Chapman and James Tyas will again line up together in the second row, with Tim Anstee and captain Matt Kvesic continuing to start on the flanks.

The final change in the forward pack will see Matt Rogerson come in to start at number eight, replacing Gloucester Rugby-loanee Hugh Bokenham.

Heading into the back line, Lloyd Williams will start again at scrum-half, joined by the returning Will Reed at fly-half, who had been out with a hand injury.

Speaking on Reed's return, head coach Matt Everard said: "Will Reed has had a brilliant season hasn’t he? A really, really brilliant season.

"His temperament with the team, how clear he is around directing the team as a fly-half and how pivotal he is in that position, but also his unique individual brilliance he has.

"A bit of a triple threat in my opinion – pass, kick run, and he’s shown that consistently throughout this season."

RETURNED: Will Reed has returned from injury in time to start in Worcester Warriors' play-off quarter-final against Chinnor (Image: Nick B Images)

Reed's return will shift Billy Twelvetrees from 10 back into the centres. He will be joined by the returning Fijian back Siva Naulago.

Naulago has spent considerable time out injured this season, but has remained integral to the team throughout, according to Everard.

"Siva off the field whilst being injured, you could not ask for any more," he said.

"He has come to every single game, he is consistently acting as a member of the support staff – packing up bags, helping with warm-ups, honestly doing absolutely everything.

"Then to have someone with his pocket-rocket, x-factor on the field is so exciting for everyone in-and-around him."

X-FACTOR: Siva Naulago will feature for Worcester Warriors in their play-off quarter-final against Chinnor (Image: Nick B Images)

Josh Bassett and Jake Garside will continue on the wings with Louis Brown coming in at full-back as the final change to the starting line-up.

Brown, voted the community player of the year for 2025/26, is the final player returning from injury for the match.

"Louis is what you want from a 15 – tough, uncompromising, vocal, decisive," said Everard.

"We’re so blessed with so many outside backs aren’t we? But that description of a 15 is exactly how I would describe Louis.

"He is really excited to play and I think the team are really excited to have him back out there with him."

BACK: Louis Brown will be back in action for Worcester Warriors in their play-off quarter-final against Chinnor (Image: Nick B Images)

The pack replacements feature Bath Rugby-loanee Jasper Spandler, Hugh Bokenham, Thabo Ndimande and Fijian props Livai Natave and Tim Hoyt.

Will Lane, Tiff Eden and Rory Taylor round out the 23-man squad.

Worcester Warriors' 23-man squad to take on Chinnor in the CHAMP RUGBY play-off quarter-finals (Image: Newsquest)

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