Worcester confirm Dean Ryan as new director of rugby

Ryan takes over following last night's departure of head coach Richard Hill

Dean Ryan (GETTY IMAGES)

Worcester have appointed Dean Ryan as their new director of rugby.

Ryan takes over at the Aviva Premiership club following last night's departure of head coach Richard Hill after almost three seasons in charge at Sixfields.

The 46-year-old Ryan, the former Gloucester coach who was part of Scotland's coaching team during the recent RBS 6 Nations, will begin his new role with Worcester following the final game of the season against London Welsh.

Hill departed Sixways with immediate effect, and Ryan was installed as red-hot favourite to lead the Warriors next term.

Ryan will take charge of a squad considerably different from this season's.

Hill had already made eight new signings, including fly-half Paul Warwick from Stade Francais, former Exeter playmaker Ignacio Mieres and Montpellier forward Agustin Creevy.

But there will also be some high-profile exits this summer, with England prop Matt Mullan and goal-kicker Andy Goode moving to Wasps, England squad flanker Matt Kvesic joining Gloucester and full-back Errie Claassens being snapped up by Bristol.

Ryan will undoubtedly have his own ideas about squad strengthening, and further new arrivals can be expected.

Worcester can finish no higher than ninth this season, with Hill having failed to deliver the progress the Warriors directors required.

Bill Bolsover, chairman of Worcester's rugby committee, said: "Richard was brought into Worcester Warriors to get us promoted back to the Premiership, which he successfully achieved.

"We then wanted to consolidate our position amongst the elite before breaking out of the bottom four.

"Despite all his hard work, effort, attention to detail and honesty, we have not continued the forward momentum.

"On behalf of everyone at Worcester Warriors, I would like to put on record our thanks and appreciation to Richard and we wish him well for the future."

Hill's coaching team and Worcester's rugby operations director Corin Palmer will take charge of the team for the final two Premiership matches of the season, against Harlequins and London Welsh.

Since leaving Gloucester in 2009, Ryan has built a reputation as an outstanding rugby analyst with Sky Sports, although it would appear that working with Scotland has whetted his appetite for a top-flight coaching return.

PA