Steve Diamond appointed at Worcester Warriors

Former Sale Sharks boss Steve Diamond has returned to Premiership Rugby after Worcester Warriors confirmed that he has been appointed as Lead Rugby Consultant.

Diamond will join DoR Alan Solomons and head coach Jonathan Thomas at the club to 'lend his considerable experience and expertise' to the current coaching ticket at Sixways.

The 53-year-old will link up with Warriors on Monday, November 29 as a senior member of the rugby department, reporting to Solomons and the board of directors.

“I met with Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham and they impressed me as two very enthusiastic owners who want to build on the legacy that Cecil Duckworth, who was someone I knew reasonably well, left,” Diamond said. “After a year out of the game I’m delighted to be coming in to assist Solly and to work with JT to help improve results."

Thomas, a former Warriors captain who returned to Sixways as forwards coach in the summer of 2020 and was promoted to head coach in January of this year, has praised Diamond's hiring.

“We are looking forward to welcoming Steve to the Warriors Family,” Thomas said. “I have had some great meetings and conversations with Steve over the last few weeks.

“He is vastly experienced in a wide range of aspects of the game and I believe that his experience and skill set will add to and complement the foundations we have already put in place.

“As Head Coach I will still manage and lead the High Performance Department and be responsible for the preparation of the team and the coaching programme, reporting to Steve, the Lead Rugby Consultant, which I’m really excited about and can’t wait to get started.”

The owners were equally enthusiastic about the signing. Warriors co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham said in a joint statement. “This is an additional appointment to our existing rugby management team and Steve will be working closely with our Director of Rugby, Alan Solomons, and Head Coach Jonathan Thomas.

“Steve will review all aspects of the rugby programme, advise on changes where needed and also help with player recruitment for next season.

“The Premiership is the toughest rugby competition in the world and small margins can make a big difference in the heat of a game.

“The club has the benefit of an excellent group of players, coaches and backroom staff who are all aligned in their vision and ambition.

“We believe that adding someone with Steve’s experience will enable us to identify the missing ingredients needed to realise the true potential of this team.”