WORCESTER Warriors will face the Barbarians at Sixways on Saturday, September 5 (3pm).

The match is being played a few weeks before the World Cup begins and will see Dean Ryan's side go head-to-head with well-known players in world rugby.

Warriors chief executive Jim O'Toole said: "Bringing the Barbarians to Sixways will give rugby supporters from all across the region an opportunity to come and witness some of the sport's highest profile players in action.

"This is an exciting first for the club and we hope to get as many people here as possible to create a real party atmosphere.

"Barbarians matches are always colourful affairs so we are delighted to give our supporters the opportunity to watch the sort of match they wouldn't see every week in the build-up to the World Cup and Aviva Premiership season."

Warriors boss Ryan has close links with the Barbarians, having coached the side to a 39-29 victory over England in June 2014.

Hooker Niall Annett was also on the winning side when he came on as a replacement during the Barbarians' 59-26 victory over Leicester Tigers last November.

Both will be back in Warriors colours this time out as the Sixways side look to kick their pre-season campaign off with a bang.