THE 2023 Rugby World Cup kicks-off on Friday night when the hosts France go head-to-head with three-time winners New Zealand, but how many former Worcester Warriors will be at the tournament?

There are eight players in total across seven nations including Tonga, Wales and Italy to name a few. 

Scotland have two former Warriors players in Rory Sutherland and Duhan van der Merwe, both of whom were at the club when it fell into administration and would still be in the Warriors shirts now had it not been for the disastrous turn of events a year ago. 

Worcester News: Duhan van der Merwe was a big hit at SixwaysDuhan van der Merwe was a big hit at Sixways (Image: PA)

Worcester News: Rory Sutherland (centre white) and Hame Faiva (left blue) both played for Warriors when the club went into administrationRory Sutherland (centre white) and Hame Faiva (left blue) both played for Warriors when the club went into administration (Image: PA)

Other players who were on the books at time of the club's collapse, Ollie Lawrence, the only homegrown Worcester player at the World Cup, and Italy's hooker Hame Faiva.

Lawrence has been named on the bench for England's opener with Argentina in Marseille, whilst Faiva is also amongst the substitutes for Italy's first game against Namibia. 

Worcester News: Ollie Lawrence in action for England in the defeat to Fiji last monthOllie Lawrence in action for England in the defeat to Fiji last month (Image: PA)

As for former players in the competition, Samoa will be represented by Ed Fidow, who played for Warriors between 2019-2021 and Sione Vailanu is in the Tongan squad.

 Worcester News: Sione Vailanu played for Warriors in the 21-22 seasonSione Vailanu played for Warriors in the 21-22 season

Former fan-favourite Josh Adams, who made his name in professional rugby with Warriors, will play from the start for Wales in their highly-anticipated clash with Fiji.

Worcester News: Josh Adams scored 39 tries for Warriors in his 65 appearancesJosh Adams scored 39 tries for Warriors in his 65 appearances (Image: PA)

And another player who was and still is much loved by the Worcester faithful, is Argentinian hooker Agustin Creevy. He is on the bench for Los Pumas when they face England.

Worcester News: 0614516707 Paul Jackson 07.02.14


Worcester


Worcester Warriors Vs Leicester Tigers. Agustin Creevy (3890064)