Worcester Warriors: Simon Cross is appointed new defence coach

Worcester Warriors have appointed former Edinburgh flanker Simon Cross as their new defence coach.

The 32-year-old replaces Phil Larder, who left Sixways in May along with three other members of the backroom staff following the appointment of Dean Ryan as the Warriors director of rugby.

Cross, who began his career at Wasps, was forced to retire from playing in 2010 due to a knee problem.

He has already worked with Worcester's new head coach Carl Hogg at Edinburgh.

"Hoggy knows Simon very well from his Edinburgh days and we have seen enough potential in him to really know he will make a very positive contribution," said Ryan.

"He has a strong point to prove and is an ambitious young coach.

"Developing coaches is as much a priority as the players here."