DUNCAN Roke has been handed a chance to resurrect his Sixways career.

The full-back, who has yet to start a Premiership match for Worcester Rugby Club this season, gets his hands on the prized number 15 shirt for tonight's clash with Leonessa at Sixways (kick-off 8pm).

The former Henley flyer, who has been one of the first names on the Worcester team-sheet in previous years, is given his chance in the first leg of the European Shield quarter-final clash.

"It's something I'm really looking forward to," said Roke.

"Obviously I'm very pleased to be back in and I've got to make the most of my chance. It's a big opportunity for me."

Thinus Delport, who is now established as the club's number one choice at full-back, moves out to the wing, while youngster Uche Oduoza will be drafted into the Warriors' 22 if he arrives back from holiday in time.

"He's gone to Nigeria for Christmas and, hopefully, he'll be back so we can include him," added Keast.

"We've got to give players a chance in this match and Duncan Roke comes back into the side.

"Duncan has to work on his defensive side of the game and I'm hoping he can show us that against Leonessa.

"With three weeks until a Premiership match, we've also got chance to rest a few of the walking wounded.

"Centres Thomas Lombard and Dale Rasmussen have both been playing with pain-killers. Andre Van Niekerk has also been struggling with a hip problem so there was no point in risking him.

"It's an opportunity for the likes of Duncan Roke and Chris Hall to come in and perform well for the Warriors.

"From all the information we have on Leonessa, they are a similar quality to Rovigo. I would say you could compare them to a middle-of-the table National One side."

Meanwhile, Worcester have swit-ched their next two Premiership home games to Friday night encounters.

Their clash with Leeds Tykes has now been moved to February 4 for an 8pm kick-off, while the Sale Sharks game will now be played on February 25, again starting at 8pm.

Worcester: Roke; Delport, Hinshelwood, Trueman, O'Leary; Brown, Powell; Sparks, Hall, Horsman, Gabey, Gillies, Vaili, Sanderson, MacLeod-Henderson. Replacements: Windo, Fortey, Murphy, Mason, Cole, Hayes, Oduoza/Stuart-Smith.