Worcester Warriors: Fit-again Nick Schonert poised to start against Exeter Chiefs

The fit-again tighthead prop came off the bench to play the final 20 minutes of Warriors’ 33-27 defeat at Dragons in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last Friday.

It was the first time Schonert had played since hobbling off with an ankle issue in their win over London Irish in late December.

Warriors have picked up just one victory while the 26-year-old has been on the treatment table and suffered league losses to Saracens and Bath.

Vesty described Schonert’s return as a “big boost” to second-from-bottom Warriors and reckoned he would be ready to pack down against leaders Exeter at Sandy Park.

“It was always the plan for Nick to come back (at Dragons),” Vesty said.

“He played 20 minutes and he enjoyed it.

“I am chuffed to see him back as he is a great asset to our squad and a good guy to have around playing in your team.

“I would imagine he would be a bit further down the line towards playing 60-70 minutes (for the Exeter game).

“It’s a big boost to have him back as he’s one of our standout players.”

Schonert has become a vital cog in Warriors’ scrum since joining the club in the summer of 2014.

But he has featured just six times this term as he also sustained a blow to his ankle in September which ruled him out for almost two months.

Wing Tom Howe added: “It’s always nice to see players return from injury and there are few more back at Sixways.

“Hopefully they’ll all come back and pull on the shirt again.

“Set-piece is huge so having a tighthead with as much experience as Nick is massive for us.”

After being knocked out of the Anglo-Welsh Cup and European Challenge Cup, Vesty said he was looking forward to getting back to league action.

“There is nothing like a Premiership week to get everyone going,” Vesty said.

“Exeter is probably one of the most difficult places to play rugby in the league.

“It will be a challenge, but I am really looking forward to it.”