WORCESTER Rugby Club have been hit by the news that Christian Evans is out of their title shoot-out at Rotherham.

The ultra-consistent back row star has dislocated a collarbone and is expected to be out for up to five weeks.

Evans' injury is a blow so close to the November 23 National One showdown between the top two sides.

And director of rugby John Brain was disappointed to lose the 31-year-old for what will be a vital part of the season.

"It's bad news for him and also very unfortunate for us because he has been the outstanding back row player for some time now," said Brain.

"It does, however, present an opportunity for other players to make an impact. Jim Jenner comes back into the side at eight but we also have options with Richard Nias and Neil Mason fighting for places. Jim has a chance on Saturday, though, against Wakefield at Sixways."

Worcester revert to their league side after the cup team saw off Manchester 73-12 at the weekend. Duncan Roke, Chris Garrard, Tony Windo and Mark Gabey are all recalled while new boy Tim Walsh makes his second start after impressing against Manchester in the Powergen Cup tie.

Craig Gillies gets the nod over Martin Morgan at lock alongside Gabey, while James Ogilvie-Bull is handed an opportunity at inside centre because of Gary Trueman's shoulder injury and Ben Hinshelwood's international duty with Scotland.

"We expect Trueman to be fit for the following week but we are not going to take any chances with him against Wakefield. James did well in the Manchester game and he has another chance to impress. He has a bit of work to do on his fitness but this is an opportunity for him.

"What we've said to the players is do not take your eye off what is in front of you. We have Rotherham next weekend but we have Wakefield before that and that is what we are all fully focused on. There are places up for grabs still and the Wakefield match represents a chance for every player to stake a claim for Rotherham."

Worcester: Roke; Ezulike, Officer, Ogilvie-Bull, Garrard; Walsh, Swanepoel; Windo, Pearson, Olver, Gabey, Gillies, Bates, Pfister, Jenner. Replacements: Richardson, Chalmers, Southwell, Hall, Davis, Zaltzman, Nias.