Warriors Chris Pennell writes for the Observer and takes us behind the scenes at Sixways
IT’S been challenging recently because we’ve obviously had a lot of front line players go down.
But we’ve had a lot of young guys come in and it’s one of those things where that’s how people get their opportunity, usually through injury.
What’s been awesome is that the young lads have really put their hands up which is exactly what this club needs to be built upon. It’s great to see that our academy system that was broken for a few years is now back up producing home-grown talent who, given the opportunity on the big stage, can deliver, and it’s great for the future of the club.
We had a squad meal last week over at The Crown in Martley which was nice.
A few of us turned up late so we were eating leftovers because the front row lads managed to eat their own body weights in meat which was quite impressive! So it was just a few leftover chicken wings and bits for me as all the good stuff was gone.
Also out and about, myself and Donncha O’Callaghan were at the Listers Family Fete last weekend with the Warriors Community Team doing a skills challenge which was good fun getting loads of kids having a go.
It’s all about trying to inspire a little bit and take a bit of your time to show fans that you appreciate their support week in week out and also to try and increase the interest in rugby within the area for some of the youngsters that are maybe leaning towards football.
Just being out in the community and showing your face hopefully let’s people realise as rugby players that we are a lot more approachable and we are normal people and it’s good that that still exists in rugby.
Recovery from injury is coming along. The last few days have been great and those injured have been working really hard, doing loads of skills with Gordon Ross which is fun that we all look forward to.
All our home games are must-wins really. We need to win at home particularly in the next two weeks.
Anyone can beat anyone on their day but certainly if you look at the fixture list at the start of the season these two games are important to set the tone for the rest of the season.