CENTRE Ryan Mills was “very unfortunate” to pick up a two-week ban and miss his homecoming at Exeter Chiefs today, admits Worcester Warriors star Wynand Olivier.

Mills was born and raised in Exeter and missed last season’s trip to Sandy Park through injury.

The former Gloucester player was suspended after pleading guilty to a dangerous tackle in the 18-17 defeat to Northampton Saints last Friday.

It will be disappointing for Mills, who had just returned to action after missing the first seven league matches with a groin problem.

Mills cut his rugby teeth playing for Exeter’s junior teams before joining Gloucester’s academy.

“It’s very unfortunate Millsy has got the ban and I didn’t know about it until Wednesday,” said Olivier, who did not see the incident during the Saints match.

“But we have good competition in the midfield between Ben Te’o, Jackson Willison, Millsy and I.

“It’s good for the depth of the squad to have competition and the ideal thing for us is to try to create that level in all positions.”

Academy pair Jack Singleton and Andrew Kitchener make their maiden Premiership starts for Warriors at Exeter.

Olivier admits Warriors’ injury troubles were not ideal but it had given young players a chance to experience the top tier.

“It’s good to see the youngsters coming through and getting opportunities,” said Olivier.

“It might not be an ideal situation for us with the injuries but it has given the guys opportunities to put their hands up and get stuck in to see what the Premiership is really like.”

The South African, who has scored twice in eight games this term, is enjoying his role trying to mentor the youngsters and lift Warriors from 11th in the Premiership table.

“I am in a good environment and get a fair bit of freedom to play with the ball,” said Olivier.

“I’ve got loads of good players around me, which makes it a little easier.

“I am the lucky one who gets the opportunities but I am in a good space at the moment.

“I am enjoying my rugby and getting the ball in my hands to run with it.”