WARRIORS continued plans to work with young players across the region after launching their third new junior academy centre.

The centre at Luctonians Rugby Club, north Herefordshire, aims to provide the most talented in the area with a clear pathway into the professional game.

Warriors had already launched centres at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, and Barkers Butts Rugby Club, Coventry.

They will open further centres at Warwick School, Telford College of Arts and Technology and Hereford Cathedral School this winter. There is also a centre at Sixways Stadium.

The latest launch also involved an education evening held by Warriors’ transition coach Sam Vesty.

Lucs’ director of rugby Alex Davidson said: “We have long believed in promoting their best talent to play at a higher level.

“Our link with Warriors will provide an exit route for ambitious players within our own region while increasing playing standards across the board.

“Having the likes of Sam working with our players is the first step and offers the kind of information and resource sharing that will mutually benefit both rugby businesses.

“We hope to follow up the launch with a Warriors-led evening discussing strength and conditioning and nutrition in the near future.”

Talented youngsters are to work closely with Warriors’ experienced coaches, who will provide strength and conditioning, nutritional, medical and game support.

Their high performance director Nick Johnston said: “It has been another successful launch and we’re excited at the prospect of working with Luctonians to bring through the best players in the region.

“A significant amount of our resources are going into these centres to ensure we can provide young players with the support they need to develop effectively and maximise their potential.

“We are delighted that half of our centres have been launched and, in years to come, they will pay dividends by having a major impact on the players we see in the Worcester Warriors first team.”