We will learn from Welsh lesson - Ryan - The Worcester Observer

We will learn from Welsh lesson - Ryan

Worcester Editorial 3rd Jun, 2015 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0

WARRIORS director of rugby Dean Ryan has vowed his side ‘won’t do a London Welsh’ after their dramatic promotion back to the top flight of English rugby.

Ryan admitted they were on the look-out for several new players to add to their squad as they bid to survive in the Aviva Premiership next season.

However, Ryan insisted the club would not ‘do a London Welsh’ who raced into the market to bring in a number of big name signings after they were promoted in 2014.

Nine new faces will arrive at Sixways in the summer, including Bryce Heem, Phil Dowson and Andy Short, but Ryan admitted Worcester will need to strengthen their squad further to retain their top flight status.




“We have got Bryce Heem, Chris Pennell and Cooper Vuna, which looks alright, but we need that strength across lots of areas,” Ryan said. “We need strength in depth and for people to come in and take us on.

“There is no doubt the experience of (James) Percival, Jonathan Thomas, (GJ) Van Velze made a difference (in the play-off final). Bristol lost Ryan Jones and Gavin Henson, so experience does count at the highest table.”


London Welsh snapped up the likes of New Zealand international Piri Weepu and former England fly-half Olly Barkley once they clinched the Greene King IPA Championship title.

But it was a decision which back-fired as they were relegated with just one point and Ryan said Worcester would not be going down a similar path to try and stay in the Premiership.

“Going into the Premiership from the Championship is bloody tough,” he said. “But we have taken a very different tact where we are giving youngsters a chance and coaching them well.

“Does that make them Premiership players overnight? No, it does not, but it gives us real strength in numbers and gives them a real chance to improve.

“Do we need to add people? Yes, but we are not going to do a London Welsh.”

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