WORCESTER Warriors’ players must try to silence the passionate Rotherham Titans crowd in the opening 20 minutes.

That’s the message from former Rotherham skipper Charlie Mulchrone, who is returning to Clifton Lane in Warriors’ colours today in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Warriors’ scrum-half Mulchrone spent two happy seasons at Rotherham and says the compact ground will be a new challenge for the Sixways outfit.

“When the fixture list came out, the first one I looked for was our match against Rotherham,” said Mul - chrone.

“At Rotherham, the home fans get really involved in the game but, if you can take the edge and sting out of the game in the first 10 to 20 min - utes, it can be a huge benefit and silence them a bit.

“A good start for us will be key but having a proper men - tality for the full 80 minutes is also vital.

“Rotherham is a fantastic place to play and, last year, I think it got voted as the best clubhouse experience in the Championship.

“It’s a proper rugby club — they have really passionate and knowledgeable fans. It’s an enclosed ground so fans and players are close to the pitch.

“You can feel the atmos - phere and the clubhouse af - terwards is brilliant because everyone stays for a drink. If you embrace the place and take in the atmosphere, it’s a great place to play.”

Mulchrone came on as a second-half substitute for Jonny Arr in last weekend’s 55-16 win against Notting - ham at Sixways.

“I am hoping to get the nod to start on Saturday,” said the 25-year-old.

“I think the game against Nottingham had broken up a bit before I came on and it was more free-flowing and I am really looking forward to this one.

“Rotherham are a full-time team — they have stepped up a lot over the last few years and the coaching staff have made it very professional.

“I still keep in touch with quite a few of the players and watch their games and they have had similar form to us after losing the first game and winning the next three.”

The Manchester-born play - er used to share a house with Marshall Gadd, the current Rotherham captain, and is expecting a vocal welcome from the home crowd.

“I have had a little bit of banter with some of my old team-mates — not so much about the rugby — but about meeting up for a few beers af - ter the game. I would be dis - appointed if I don’t get a bit of stick from the fans.”

Mulchrone has tried to pass on some of his knowledge about Rotherham’s players to the Warriors’ coaching set- up.

He said: “I will treat it like any other game.”