Former PREM winger scores on Worcester Warriors CHAMP debut
Former PREM winger scores on Worcester Warriors CHAMP debut
Former Wasps winger Josh Bassett has finally made his debut for Worcester Warriors after an extended period out with injury.
The 33-year-old has had to wait his turn after suffering a torn hamstring in pre-season that delayed his return to action.
“You work your whole pre-season to get to that point,” he told the CHAMP rugby website. “And then it’s taken away from you just like that.”
“It’s been frustrating, obviously,” he admitted. “But it’s also part and parcel of being a rugby player. You’ve got to stay level, take it as a positive, and use the time to get better.”
Bassett’s patience was rewarded this weekend, when he was named in the starting team to face Ealing Trailfinders in the top-of-the-table clash.
“These are the games you want to play,” he said ahead of the match. “These are the challenges you test yourself against.
“I’m feeling good. I’m just enjoying being back out there for training and having a positive impact.”
His impact was instantaneous, getting on the scoresheet just before the end of the first half after running a brilliant support line off of Juan Gonzalez’s kick and chase. He then received the ball from the full-back off the deck to touch down just to the left of the posts.
Josh Bassett’s return to rugby pic.twitter.com/cMFJED8mYp
— Jack Tunney (@JackTunneyRugby) January 5, 2026
Ealing hold firm
His score allowed Worcester to head into the break 22-26 up as the former PREM side looked to cause an upset on Ealing’s home turf.
The hugely successful home side were not to be beaten that easily, however, proving why they’ve been so dominant in the league since 2016, coming back to win 34-33 in what’s been described as ‘the game of the season’.
Ealing now sit comfortably on top of the CHAMP table, having won all 13 of their games, missing out on only one bonus point. Bedford Blues, Worcester Warriors and Coventry sit on 50 points, 47 points and 45 points respectively, whilst there is only a two-point difference between those in fifth and seventh place. Cambridge sit bottom of the league with zero wins.
“With the new format of the Championship, there’s some jeopardy, and that’s what British sport is built on,” Bassett said. “It’s exciting, anyone can get on a run towards the end of the season and get into the play-offs. And then anything can happen.”