Abbott looks to European stage

The openside, who has come through the Sixways ranks, will line up alongside fellow academy graduates Matt Cox and James Collins in a home-grown back row for today’s pool two clash with Olympus Rugby XV Madrid.

The Worcester-born 21-year-old is hoping to put in a barnstorming display and force his way into the first-team picture.

However, he faces tough competition with club captain Pat Sanderson, Kai Horstmann, Tom Wood and Netani Talei currently ahead of him in the pecking order.

Abbott said: “This year, I am looking to make my mark. The Challenge Cup is a platform for me to get into the first team.

“I haven’t had much Premiership experience as it goes, so these European games and the cup matches are definitely a chance for the younger boys to have a good shot at it.

“We’ll have a good mix of experience and younger boys, so the more I’m around that the better.

“Pat is a fantastic captain and a great role model for the club, Woody has proved how well he can do, there is ‘Mr Reliable’ in Kai and Netani is in there too.

“So, the likes of me, Coxy and JC have got to take our opportunities when they come along.

“Coxy and JC are massively competitive — JC and I are both sevens and we can play left and right together — so it all helps with the banter.”

Abbott has come through the ranks with several others at Sixways, which he feels helps to create a strong bond.

He added: “The likes of me, Charlie Fellows and Jonny Arr have all come through together. We like to joke that the under 17s colts side we played for were like a dream team.”