Rugby Union
Claassens ready to renew family rivalry

Buy photos » Bristol-bound full back Errie Claassens is determined to secure a starting spot against Bath and renew his rivalry with his brother, Michael. Picture by Marcus Mingins 0413004MMR1

REVENGE will not be the only thing on Errie Claassens' mind when Worcester Warriors travel to Bath for their Aviva Premiership clash next week as the full back has a proud record to maintain.

The 31-year-old, who is off to Bristol in the summer, was not involved in Warriors' agonising 24-23 defeat to the Somerset outfit at Sixways due to injury.

But Claassens said the result still leaves a nasty taste in his mouth and is determined to be involved this time around.

His motivation is also fuelled by the prospect of resuming his "friendly rivalry" with his younger brother, Michael Claassens, who has made eight appearances for South Africa.

The Warriors ace came out on top last season as the two went head to head for the first time in their careers and admitted he wants to claim the bragging rights once again.

"Both of us are looking forward to it," Claassens said.

"We have only played once against each other before and that was last season. The match went so quickly, but it was quite nice knowing that you are playing against your brother.

"Both of us want each other to be successful, so it is a friendly rivalry. But after the game he was quite quiet, so I gave my boots for him to clean up for the Monday which was our agreement before the game and it will be something we will be doing again if we're both playing."

But Claassens insisted his main focus, if selected, will be on helping the team erase the memory of this season's opening day defeat, which saw former Bath fly half Olly Barkley land a last-gasp penalty to break Worcester's hearts.

"It is a game we are really looking forward to, especially after last time," Claassens added. "I felt we were the better team at Sixways, but, unfortunately, there were a few decisions that did not go our way.

"We are also very close in the table to Bath, so if we can get a win we will go ahead of them."

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