Sixways Stadium, home of Worcester Warriors, will host the
Championship XV fixture against Canada on November 2, with the
Championship squad led by Martin Haag and assisted by Kevin
Maggs.
In a new addition to the fixture calendar, the Championship XV
concept will be reignited following its 2012 success against the
Maori All Blacks, when Jersey's Nathan Hannay was a member of the
squad. The best XV from across the league will face Canada at
Sixways Stadium in a showpiece game highlighting the talent on
offer in the second tier, while providing a unique international
experience for players and spectators alike.
Sixways has a capacity of over 12,000, and has hosted numerous
rugby events including England Under 20s, and Churchill Cup
fixtures and two LV= Cup finals.
Warriors Acting Chief Executive Anthony Glossop said: "I am
delighted that we have been chosen to host a game which will bring
together the best players in the Championship.
"We have fully embraced this Championship campaign and are all
looking forward to welcoming those players to Sixways to showcase
their talents against an international side.
"It will be a great advert for rugby in the Championship, a league
in which 21 of the current England internationals have cut their
teeth."
Nottingham Rugby head coach Martin Haag will take charge of the
Championship XV, made up of English Qualified Players across the
professional second tier. Moseley head coach Kevin Maggs will be
assistant coach.
Former Bath Rugby coach Haag has seen a successful career spanning
nearly 30 years, from player with the West Country club and
securing his first cap during a 46-20 victory over Argentina, to
Nottingham Rugby head coach.
A Level 4 qualified coach, the Essex-born former lock said: "It's
an honour to be asked to coach the Championship XV with Kevin
Maggs. The success of the fixture against the Maori All Blacks in
November 2012 showed what a fantastic occasion it is for both
players and supporters. The breadth of talent on offer across the
competition is vast and rises year on year, so we've undoubtedly
got a tough selection process on our hands but I'm hopeful that
with the clubs' support, we will have a team to really compete with
Canada."
Assistant coach Kevin Maggs played for Bristol and Bath before
becoming a player/coach at Rotherham Titans. With 70 Ireland caps,
including in two Rugby World Cups, the Bristolian became Moseley's
head coach in June 2011.
General Manager of Rugby Canada, Mike Chu, said: "We are very
pleased to play the Championship XV as a number of our leading
players compete in the Championship and we know this will be a
quality fixture against quality opposition. We are grateful to the
RFU for the opportunity which will give us a great lead-in to our
November Tour."
Tickets for the fixture will be available from this Thursday,
September 11 by logging onto www.warriors.co.uk, visiting the
club's Box Office or calling 01905 459309.
Premium Seating £15
Adult Standard £10
Junior Standard £5
Car Parking £5 (must be bought in advance)