IF Worcester's rise through the leagues has been applauded by most, you could forgive their neighbours for being slightly less enthusiastic in their admiration.

Gloucester have historically been THE team on this Midlands patch as they stamped their image all over top flight rugby through the decades.

Tomorrow, though, sees a new challenge for the Cherry & Whites and, after yet another recent derby defeat to Bath, it may not be one they are relishing.

The Kingsholm outfit arrive at Sixways for the first 'proper' derby against Worcester and, just to add a little more spice to this local scuffle, the Warriors have plenty of players desperate to put one over on their former employers.

Thinus Delport squares up to the club that he freely admits messed him around in the summer when they failed to come up with an adequate contract offer. Granted, the Springbok was recovering from a double knee operation at the time but Gloucester's pondering over a new deal did little for his love of the club.

"I wish somebody could explain to me what happened with Gloucester," he said. "They showed interest and made promises but, at the end of the day, they just didn't come to the party.

"Ultimately, what they offered me was totally ridiculous. They weren't prepared to take the risk with me whereas John Brain and Andy Keast were more than happy to take that choice. They were willing to back me and I'm very grateful to them both for giving me the chance. It's my biggest motivation to get back and show to everyone that I can reach the levels I was at before."

You have to suspect that Delport, who on Sunday at Leeds looked to be closer to his best, may well be a key figure if Gloucester are to be put to the sword. The script simply screams for it.

In the wake of Worcester's historic victory over Harlequins, much was made about the ex-coach and player factor with Keast, Matt Powell, Pat Sanderson and Tim Collier all playing pivotal roles in Quins' downfall.

Once again, the Warriors will have a similar ingredient with Brain, Delport, Tony Windo, Craig Gillies and Daren O'Leary all having spent varying amounts of time at Kingsholm.

Brain will always be synonymous with Gloucester after spending his playing career there while he still lives in the city. Certainly, for the former Kingsholm lock, tomorrow will be a special day.

"I'm looking forward to it," he said. "A lot of people still regard me as a Gloucester man because I still live there and spent 16 years there as a player and a coach. I took a career decision three years ago to come to Sixways and I'm happy with that decision.

"Ultimately, tomorrow isn't about me. It's about the team and what they do on the field. Certainly, as I'm from that locality, though, I might deride a little bit of extra pleasure from the result if we do well!"

The match represents a new era for Worcester in many ways. The game has been sold out for weeks as tickets were snapped up at a rate never seen before by Sixways staff. And if Worcester can maintain their Premiership status this season, Brain believes this derby could develop into one of the biggest in the rugby calendar.

"Worcester v Gloucester is an exciting game," he said. "This has the potential to become one of the most compelling local derbies in English rugby."

One Worcester stalwart who will be licking his lips is former Kingsholm prop Windo. The 35-year-old moved from the Cherry & Whites to Sixways in the summer of 1999 on the promise of a quick return.

"Tony Windo left Gloucester thinking within two seasons he would be playing against them in the Premiership for Worcester," said Brain.

"In reality, it took a little longer than that! Personally, though, tomorrow is a massive day for Tony. He won't let it affect him - it's just a game of rugby - but he'll be looking forward to probably facing Phil Vickery."