WORCESTER Warriors have stepped up their efforts to develop the next generation of talented players at Sixways with the appointment of Nick Johnston as high performance director.
Johnston will arrive at Worcester after a five-year stint on the backroom staff at Northampton Saints, where he helped establish them as one of the top Aviva Premiership sides before leaving the club last month.
A spokesman for Warriors said Johnston will be responsible for “implementing world class systems” as they continue to invest in the academy.
And director of rugby Dean Ryan said it was significant appointment which he believes will help the club going forward.
“I am absolutely delighted that Nick has agreed to join us,” he said.
“His record in high performance management and the development of the academy programme is second to none and I know this appointment will be a tremendous boost to this club.
“His appointment is further evidence to our ever increasing commitment to the long-term development of Worcester
Meanwhile, Johnston, who will begin his role next month, said he was looking forward to joining up with Ryan and his team.
“This is a tremendous challenge and I am excited by the vision which this club clearly has,” Johnston said.
“I have known Dean for many years and I am a great admirer of everything he has done in the world of rugby.
“Having left the Saints after several wonderful years at the club I needed a new challenge. This is exactly the challenge I’ve been looking for and I cannot wait to get started.”
Warriors chief executive Charles Cameron revealed it was the start of “further announcements” to be made by the club as work continues to bolster their youth set up.
“We have already started to lay the foundations by identifying our key priorities. These include today’s exciting announcement of Nick’s appointment, together with an ever increasing development of young players through our academy system,” Cameron added.
“The changes we have already made, and the further announcements we will be making in the next few weeks, demonstrate just how serious we are as a club to meet all of our ambitions through our absolute commitment to invest in the future enjoyment and success of rugby in the West Midlands for generations to come.”