SCRUM-HALF Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier insists he is ready to make a statement on his Worcester Warriors debut at Nottingham this weekend.

The 22-year-old is poised to wear the captain’s armband after leading Worcester Cavaliers to a succession of victories in the Aviva ‘A’ League.

Sam Vesty will step up to the head coach role for Warriors, who kick off their British and Irish Cup campaign at Meadow Lane on Sunday (3pm).

Warriors will make wholesale changes to the squad involved in their emphatic 47-7 win at Rotherham last weekend in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Cardiff-born Bruzulier said: “We will be going to Nottingham with a positive attitude.

“It’s a chance to show people what we are about and that Worcester Warriors is about young talent.

“It’s a great opportunity for us to make a statement. It’s a big cup for us and we have to treat it as such.

“There is so much young talent at Worcester who want to push on. We are not scared — the boys are ready for this and they want to make a statement.”

Droitwich-based Bruzulier progressed through the youth ranks at Newport Gwent Dragons and joined Warriors in the summer.

He had a spell in France with Le Parc and trained with French giants Toulon.

He said: “All of the Cavaliers want to push on with first-team appearances.

“Against Northampton, Gloucester and Leicester in the ‘A’ League, we had a young team and wanted to show our talent.

“I have been waiting for this since the first day of pre-season. It’s my chance. It may be late but it’s a job that I can do.”

Head coach Carl Hogg confirmed prop George Porter, who is on loan at Nottingham, will be allowed to play against Warriors.

Hogg, who is stepping up to the director of rugby role for the game, said: “We will view the cup as a development platform.

“A lot of the players who have played on Monday nights will get an opportunity against Nottingham.

“The competition gives an opportunity to see the next Chris Pennell and the next Gerrit-Jan van Velze.”

Hogg confirmed Pennell’s groin operation was successful. The full-back has missed the last four games through injury.

Hogg added: “The operation went well and we will look to integrate Chris, hopefully, for that first game going back into the Championship against Bedford Blues on November 7.”