Returning Worcester appoint Everard as head coach
Matt Everard was defence coach at Leicester from December 2022 until February this year
- Published
Worcester Warriors have named former Leicester Tigers defence coach Matt Everard as their new head coach.
Warriors are set to return to professional rugby union next season, two-and-a-half years after going into administration.
The 34-year-old former Leicester and Wasps back-rower began coaching with Wasps after retirement in 2017.
He returned to Welford Road initially as a senior academy coach for the 2022-23 season before moving into the role of defence coach in December 2022. He was stood down from that post in February.
Worcester were suspended from all competitions in September 2022 over funding issues and put into administration.
But they passed an RFU-led tender process to enter an expanded Championship next season, subject to the club paying back its creditors.
Everard said the decision to take the job was a "no brainer".
"What we're doing is one of a kind really, building from scratch with a clean slate," he told BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester.
Everard said the club would put together a squad of 30-40 players involving a "good blend" of big-game experience and "familiar faces" with youthful energy, adding that he had been "inundated" with players and agents reaching out.
Announcements on player signings should begin "this week", he said.
'What we're doing it's one of a kind, really'
'A proud history'
Warriors' new boss added that the club plans for players to report for pre-season in mid-July, and they expect to play two matches prior to their return.
"This is a club with real heart, a proud history, and a loyal community behind it," he told the club website, external.
"The opportunity to be part of its resurgence is incredibly special. I'm here to build a team that works hard, plays with passion, and represents the people of Worcester with pride."
Warriors CEO Stephen Vaughan said: "Matt is the right person to lead this new chapter.
"Having worked closely with Matt previously, he is perfect for the role, and we are delighted to have him join us at the very outset.
"He understands the values and culture we are looking to build here, and the potential of Worcester Warriors. His elite level experience, connections and leadership will be crucial as we return to competitive rugby and rebuild from the ground up."