The Warriors have not played since claiming a 16-16 draw at Newcastle on December 27.

Successive postponed Guinness Premiership games against Sale Sharks and Harlequins caused the three-week break, but Worcester now belatedly launch 2009 with a Pool Three clash with Sixways visitors Bucuresti.

Victory over the Romanian champions would be enough to guarantee a last-eight spot one game inside the distance if closest rivals Bourgoin are beaten by Italian side Petrarca tomorrow.

But Worcester, last season's beaten Challenge Cup finalists, should still make certain a week later, when they entertain Petrarca.

Warriors rugby director Mike Ruddock said: "Not having played since December 27 could be either a good or a bad thing.

"On the plus side we have avoided any injuries, but on the down side it means we could be short of match practice, and that could count against us on the day.

"But it is an extremely long season with a lot of high-speed contact, and when you are coming up against a side as physical as Bucuresti, any extra recovery time beforehand will help."