WORCESTER'S director of rugby John Brain paid tribute to the 350-plus band of travelling supporters after Warriors' win over Montpellier, claiming their backing had definitely urged his side on to victory.

"Our fans were marvellous once again and really helped to spur us on to the win," he said.

"A lot of people have spent a lot of money travelling to France to cheer the side on and they made the difference to us."

The Sixways supporters completely out-numbered the Montpellier fans and the sea of gold and blue shirts, balloons and banners dominated the Stade Sabathe.

As his squad walked around the pitch to thank the fans, Brain also voiced his pleasure that the victory had put them in the right frame of mind to re-enter the league against Bristol on Friday.

"I was really impressed with some of what we did," he said.

"I'm not too bothered whether we face either Newcastle or Northampton in the quarter-finals or whether the game is home or away.

Forward

"We're looking forward to facing a Premiership side in the quarter-finals but also getting back to Premiership rugby. We've got ten big, big games coming up in the Premiership and we've got to get them off to a winning start away at Bristol on Friday.

"We chose to travel home on Friday night straight after the game to give us a full week to recover and prepare for Friday night."

Brain also confirmed captain and flanker Pat Sanderson would return to action against Bristol, while hooker Andre Van Niekerk and full-back Nicholas Le Roux should also be fit to play some part in the game.

n After yesterday's matches, it was confirmed that Worcester would visit old rivals Northampton Saints in the last eight.

The full quarter-final draw is: Glou-cester v Brive, Newcastle v Connacht, London Irish v Bayonne, Northampton v Worcester.

Ties to be played from Friday, March 31 to Sunday, April 2.