Cowan handed Warriors debut

Buy photos » Blair Cowan holding the Warriors shirt up after signing from Cornish Pirates. Picture by Ian Smith.

NEW recruit Blair Cowan will make his Worcester Warriors debut after being named at number eight for the LV= Cup fixture with Saracens at Vicarage Road on Sunday (3pm).

Cowan is one of a number of changes made by Warriors with Josh Drauniniu and Sam Betty the only survivors from the starting line-up that faced Stade Francais in Paris last weekend.

A new-look back line will see Joe Carlisle operate at inside centre where he will combine with Fiji international Ravai Fatiaki, who will be making his first start for the club.

Chris Pennell captains the team from full back while Danny Gray will start at fly half and links with the returning Jonny Arr.

The pack sees Richard Muagututia move to openside flanker while hooker Chris Fortey is named in the front row.

Forwards coach Phil Davies said: “Blair has trained really well and has fitted into the club well. He is a robust character, a good ball carrier and strong addition to the group so we are keen to see him in action.

“We have made changes because you have to keep the whole squad going, you can’t be successful with just 23 players. This cup game gives an opportunity for players to come in and put their hand up for more selections.

“Saracens will have players away on international duty, but they have such a strong squad and academy process that we know it will be a strong team that they put out. We will go down to London and have a real go, we are looking forward to the game.”

Warriors team to face Saracens: Pennell (c), Arscott, Fatiaki, Carlisle, Drauniniu, Gray, Arr, Douglas, Fortey, Tomaszczyk, Gulliver, Gillies, Betty, Muagututia, Cowan

Replacements: Lutui, Porter, Currie, Dacres, Kvesic, Frost, Benjamin, Claassens