WORCESTER Warriors’ players will be “slightly fatigued” for their opening pre-season match next month against French giants Clermont Auvergne.

But head coach Carl Hogg feels the gruelling 12-day camp in the French Alps will be vital towards Warriors’ preparations for their upcoming Premiership campaign.

He says it’s important for Worcester to test themselves “against the best” as they bid to build on last season’s 10th-placed finish in the top tier.

“We have picked some big challenges but that’s what you want as a player,” said Hogg, a former Scotland international.

“You want to test yourself against the best.

“We have got a huge challenge against Clermont and will be working extremely hard in Tignes.

“We will go there slightly fatigued because of the nature of the preparation over that 12 days but let’s go and challenge ourselves against Clermont and see where we sit.”

Warriors’ players will be embarking on high-altitude training before the match at the Jacques Lavédrine complex, Issoire, on Friday, August 12.

“Altitude training will mean a reduction of oxygen. The players will have to work at a higher threshold so their lactic and recovery periods become much more difficult,” explained Hogg.

“When they come back to sea level, the training will have physiological effects on their body that enhances their recovery rates.

“We are very much guided by our sports science department, headed up by Kyle Goggin, and they do work hard.”

After their intensive French trip, Warriors visit Championship outfit Jersey on Saturday, August 20, before heading to Munster on Friday, August 26.