THE future of Worcester Warriors appears to be in safe hands!

On Monday night, a youthful academy side humbled Leeds Tykes and gave a glimpse of what Worcester fans can expect to see in the next few years -- providing the club hold on to them.

Leeds may not have been the most illustrious of opponents but Worcester saw them off in style, with eight tries on a bitterly cold night.

And there is more good news for the young players - especially those who happen to play on the wing. The club's top try-scorer, Aisea Havili, has just agreed a two-year deal and believes part of his brief is to help out with the next generation of Sixways flyers.

Havili has been a revelation since he arrived at the club in October, scoring six tries and providing a constant threat on Worcester's right wing.

And the Tongan star has already been working with one of the club's brightest prospects, speedster Uche Oduoza.

"Because Uche and I play in the same position, I showed him my skills," said Havili in broken English.

"It's good for us to work together. I'm 29 now and I like to share my experience and my skills.

"I'm looking to help the youngsters in the same position as me."

The father-of-three and devout Christian has settled well in Worcester, and the transition has been made easier by his close friendship with team-mates and compatriots Tevita Taumoepeau and Johnny Tuamoheloa.

Havili came to Worcester partly because of restrictions on non-Welsh players at former club Llanelli Scarlets and partly because he was impressed with the "body language" of director of rugby John Brain.

"My first year at Llanelli was a good year," he said. "But the year Wales won the Grand Slam it changed. And there was the problem with overseas players. They moved from six to four.

"Sometimes we needed two forwards and two backs. It was very hard in my second year.

"But I'm very happy because it has opened the door for me."

The coaching staff at Stradey Park were keen to maintain continuity and fly-half Mike Hercus and inside centre Regan King were the ones given the nod.

But their loss appears to be Worcester's gain, not least for the young players who will get the benefit of his considerable experience.

Oduoza is one of those who has been on the periphery of the first team all season and showed his potential with a well-taken try against Leeds.

Another who showed plenty of promise was scrum-half Nick Runciman who nipped in for a pair of tries and gave a polished all-round display. His half-back pairing with number 10 Gareth Morgan was one of the most pleasing aspects of the evening.

Pat Sanderson made the point in his column yesterday that second team rugby is vital to bridge the gap between the academy and the first team.

The skipper played with the youngsters on Monday to help build up his match fitness and was impressed with what he saw.

"They are a nice bunch of kids and they have got a bit of potential," said Sanderson.

"Playing in games like the one on Monday night is just what they need to get that sort of experience. Some of these kids will no doubt move on and make the step up."