Horstmann has been out of action since summer surgery on his left shoulder but the powerful Number Eight has now proven his fitness and been included in the starting line-up as Mike Ruddock prepares for his first top-flight match in charge.

Ruddock has kept faith with the side that has impressed in pre-season and names young stars Tom Wood and Chris Pennell - both products of the club's thriving Academy set-up - in the starting XV.

Skipper Pat Sanderson and Shane Drahm also return after sitting out the pre-season warm-up match with London Irish while fly half James Brown is named on the bench after recovering from a hip injury.

"It's always going to be difficult at The Rec and a challenge - Bath have impressed in pre-season. But we back ourselves, believe in ourselves and will go down there to get a result," said Director of Rugby Ruddock.

"Pre-season preparations have gone well and the squad's fitness level has improved, there is a real buzz in the camp and hopefully we can perform well enough to get a result.

"In any sport it is all about confidence and rugby is no different, you can't underestimate the importance of a good start and if we can hit the ground running that would be fantastic."

Warriors line-up v Bath Rugby

15 Chris Pennell
14 Thinus Delport
13 Dale Rasmussen
12 Gary Trueman
11 Marcel Garvey
10 Shane Drahm
9 Matt Powell

1 Tony Windo
2 Chris Fortey
3 Tevita Taumoepeau
4 Phil Murphy
5 Craig Gillies
6 Tom Wood
7 Pat Sanderson (c)
8 Kai Horstmann

16 Darren Morris
17 Ben Gotting
18 Will Bowley
19 Gavin Quinnell
20 Ryan Powell
21 James Brown
22 Mark Tucker