WORCESTER Warriors take a step into the unknown against Enisei-STM in Moscow today (1pm BST), admits backs coach Sam Vesty.

It will be Worcester’s first meeting with their “strong, aggressive” Siberian opponents when they lock horns in the European Challenge Cup.

With average winter temperatures of -10c in their native Krasnoyarsk, Enisei have agreed to travel over 2,500 miles across Russia to play Warriors at the Slava Stadium, Moscow.

Vesty said his side were “really excited” by the challenge and determined to get their European campaign off to a winning start.

But, having stunned Newcastle Falcons and Brive in last year’s competition, the 34-year-old admitted they were wary of the power Enisei possess.

“I can’t say we know too much about Enisei,” he said. “But they beat Newcastle and Brive at home last year, so there is no way this is an easy fixture.

“They are well-organised, big, strong athletes and they are very hungry. It will be a very tough challenge for us, so we need to be able to live with that power, put our game onto the pitch and score some points.”

After a four-hour flight, Warriors landed in Russia on Thursday to prepare for the Pool B clash.

Vesty said the four-day trip was “pretty unusual” and believed he would “learn a lot” about his young players.

“Staying away in hotels and going out and competing against big, strong blokes playing a very aggressive style of rugby is not what lots of our players will be used to,” he said.

“So we will learn a lot out there and I am really excited to see how we do.”

Vesty, who will be taking charge of Warriors in Europe, added: “When we play to our strengths, we move the ball from touchline to touchline and through the middle, so if we are playing well we will see some free-flowing rugby.

“They will bring a power game but part of our challenge will be dealing with that and then turning that into an opportunity for us to then go and put our movement game on to them.

“It will be a tough ask as they are a very good team but I think we have got a good group and I am really looking forward to going out there and attacking them.”