DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons believes Worcester Warriors have sufficient strength in depth to challenge in all competitions this season.

After six Gallagher Premiership games seventh-placed Warriors will now turn their attention to the European Challenge Cup.

Worcester will launch their campaign on Saturday with a trip to Paris to face Stade Francais (8pm BST) before tackling Ospreys at Sixways the following Saturday (3pm).

This will be followed by three Premiership Cup clashes before Warriors return to league action on Saturday, November 17 when they visit Bath.

Solomons said the break from the rigours of the Premiership came at a “good time” for his troops with all of the players that started in Worcester’s 52-7 victory over Bristol Bears on Sunday likely to be rested for up to 10 days.

But having strengthened in his side over the summer with 11 signings Solomons still has high hopes going into the cup competitions, highlighting the performances of Worcester Cavaliers who have won three of their first four Premiership Shield matches.

“The players who have played the bulk of these (Premiership) games will be given a break,” Solomons said.

“But it is an opportunity for guys who have perhaps been on the bench to get a start and for other lads to put their hands up and say ‘We need to be considered’.

“At the moment we are certainly competitive in the Premiership Shield and now we want to be competitive in the Premiership Cup and European Challenge Cup.”

Warriors have not gone beyond the group stages in the European Challenge Cup since 2009 when they reached the semi-final – a year after they lost to Bath in the final.

Asked whether he was targeting a place in the knock-out stages, Solomons said: “Of course, that’s what it is about.

“Last season I came in at a different time and the situation was different but we have said that we believe there is sufficient depth in our squad to compete in all competitions.

“It is also an opportunity for players to show what they can do. If you want to get into the (Premiership) team it helps a hell of a lot if you are in a team that is winning.”

Solomons will travel to Paris but has handed the reins over to head coach Rory Duncan who will take charge of the side.

Last season ex-Worcester coaches Carl Hogg and Sam Vesty led the team in the European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup respectively. But this term Duncan will be running both programmes.

“It will be the same as last season but I want Rory to do the Premiership Cup as well,” Solomons added.

“The Premiership Shield has continued to be Gordon (Ross) coaching it and Chim (Gale) managing it.

“I think it is a positive thing (for their development).

“I will be there and will be going to the opening game in Paris but I think it will be good (for Rory).”