RECENT times at Worcester Warriors have been a struggle to say the least but tonight, there could finally be some long overdue celebrations.

In what is just their second ever major cup final, Worcester are potentially 80 minutes from lifting their maiden top-flight trophy when they do battle with London Irish in the Premiership Rugby Cup showpiece event later on.

And with a new era at the club on the horizon under the new control of soon-to-be director of rugby Steve Diamond, tonight could well signify the beginning of a successful period.

“If you look at club ‘s down in history I think Exeter, this would have been their first trophy they won and look where they ended up,” said academy coach Jonny Goodridge, who leads the side alongside Chris Morgan.

“It’s got to be a catalyst and something we can look back on at the end of the season as something we can look back and be pleased with.

“And then it’s something to build on.”

But whilst it might be the start in some cases, it also signifies an end.

The final with Irish will be the penultimate game for some, including two very popular figures in Niall Annett and Ethan Waller.

More will surely follow in the summer and Goodridge admitted there is a big drive to give certain players a deserved send-off.

“Anyone wants to leave on a high,” he said.

“People come and people leave, that’s professional sport.

“But everyone wants to leave this on a high so we have two games left this season and it’s about everyone pulling together to do everything we can to make sure we finish on a high from a club perspective but also for those individuals who will be leaving at the end of the year.”

Goodridge and Morgan have been in charge of the side throughout the tournament but any sense of achievement from a personal perspective comes second to that of the whole group’s success.

“Obviously we will be very pleased but this is about the players and the squad and the effort they have put into this,” added Goodridge.

“It will be pleasing for all the staff and everyone involved but it’s really about the players going out there and putting a performance in.”

“We know Irish will have their best side out and with a serious amount of quality running through it but it’s call about us and we feel in a place to go toe-to-toe with them.

“We are all very excited for this game and hopefully, at the end, we will have something to show for it.”