Worcester surged up the leagues in the 1990s and eventually gained promotion to the Premiership in the 2003-04 season.

The Warriors won the National League One Championship with 26 wins in 26 games, but despite that impressive feat, they were many people's favourites for relegation from the Premiership in the next season.

However, the Warriors defied the odds and avoided the drop with a dramatic 21-19 final-day victory over Northampton. They also reached the final of the now-defunct European Shield, where they lost to French side Auch.

Worcester secured their top-flight status well before the end of the 2005-06 season with memorable wins over established teams like Saracens, London Irish, Leicester and London Wasps, and went on to reach the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

Towards the end of 2006-07 it looked like Worcester were heading for relegation, but four wins in their final six games saw them again remain in the Premiership.

New players were signed for the 2007-08 campaign, but even with the likes of New Zealand international Rico Gear in the team, Worcester continued to struggle.

However, results improved after Christmas and with victories over Leicester Tigers and Sale Sharks they moved out of the relegation zone and reached the final of the European Challenge Cup, only to be beaten 24-16 by Bath.

In 2008 Australia international Chris Latham joined the club and even though they finished 11th in 2008-09, relegation was never a threat, mainly because of Bristol's woeful form.