Worcester Warriors News: Awards, Argentina and Appointments

Talking Rugby Union wanted to bring you all of the latest news from inside the Worcester Warriors camp as they prepare for a difficult season ahead in the RFU Championship.

At the top of the bill is Warriors hooker Agustin Creevy who has, this week, been appointed Captain of his national side, Argentina.

The 29-year-old already has 28 international caps to his name with another 21 appearances with other UAR representative sides, and is set to skipper Argentina in their forthcoming Rugby Championship fixtures against New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Although Worcester endured a terrible season in the Aviva Premiership last year, having the likes of Creevy, former Wales international Jonathan Thomas and full-back Chris Pennell – who starred in England’s tour of New Zealand – reiterates the potential the side has.

Creevy made an impressive start to his Warriors career, scoring a try on his debut at Sixways against Sale Sharks in the Amlin Challenge Cup in October 2013.

The powerhouse front-row went on to make 14 appearances during the 2013/14 campaign and picked up a first Premiership try against Exeter Chiefs last April.

Creevy featured for Los Pumitas in 2004 and played for Argentina Under 20s at the subsequent Junior World Championships in 2005 and 2006.

The former Biarritz, Clermont and Montpellier man represented the Jaguars and Pampas XV, where he also served as captain.

On his appointment as Pumas skipper, Creevy said: "The truth is that this is an immense joy. I did not expect this as there are many other players with important qualities.

"I receive it with great honour and I hope to keep guiding our players and staff to try and put the Pumas on top."

 

Elsewhere the Warriors have announced the appointment of Mefin Davies to their staff as he joins as the club’s Transition Coach.

Davies will work with the Academy forwards to aid their development, while assisting the club's support of first-team forwards.

The 41-year-old, who won 38 caps for Wales during an illustrious international career, moves to Sixways after holding roles as Development Coach at Ospreys and Head Coach at Swansea.

During his playing days as a hooker, Davies helped Wales to the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2005 and was also part of his country's World Cup squad in 2003.

He said: "The Academy set-up at Warriors has undergone substantial changes during the last year and I am looking forward to continuing its development.

"There are already some hugely talented young players in the squad who need to be nurtured in the most productive way.

"I am also looking forward to working with first-team players ahead of what will be an exciting season so it is a great time to be joining the club.”

Warriors Director of Rugby Dean Ryan said: "Mefin was part of successful sides throughout his playing career and understands the environment needed to help players realise their potential.

"We have placed a significant emphasis on our Academy structure as we recognise the importance it will play in helping this club move forward.”

Mark Hewitt (Academy Manager) will oversee the Academy set-up, which also includes Assistant Academy Manager Chim Gale and Transition Coach Sam Vesty.

Elsewhere in the Academy, Dan Lyne has been named as Outreach Co-ordinator and Recruitment Analyst, while Ryan Watkins will oversee the club's AASE Programme.

Meanwhile Warriors' 16-strong Academy squad, which was announced last month, have returned to pre-season training.

The new-look squad includes the likes of Scotland Under 20 international Jack Cosgrove, England Under 18 international Andrew Boyce and Christian Scotland-Williamson, who all appeared for the first-team during the last campaign.

 

Finally, Worcester have been honoured with the Play Award at the All Party Parliamentary Rugby Union Group Premiership Rugby Community Awards.

Warriors faced stiff competition from Bristol Rugby for the prize, but won thanks to their fantastic community work as part of the Homeless Rugby Project they do with Worcester's YMCA.

The awards, which were staged at the House of Commons, were attended by a number of MPs, Premiership Rugby partners and Rugby World Cup winner Jason Robinson.

Community Coaches Dave Rogers and Liam Cooper work with the residents of the YMCA on a weekly basis to use rugby as a tool to help change lives.

Rogers said: "We are delighted to be recognised for the work we have been doing in the community.

"The YMCA residents have been playing touch rugby and some of them have been saying it keeps them occupied instead of doing bad things.

"But there is a knock-on effect from playing as they are developing confidence, teamwork skills, respect and other values which help them in their general lives.

"We have seen a great response with many residents moving out of the YMCA and getting their own places and six from 18 that we have been working with, have already found themselves a job while four have gone to college to study.

"It's not directly because of our involvement but it's because of the improvements in the values they have been picking up as playing as part of a team."

Cooper added: "We've now got them competing in our Summer of Touch league where they are having to step up, organise themselves, compete and of course, they are playing regular rugby.

"Winning the award is an honour and now we are looking to take things to the next level by hopefully setting up an England Homeless team in the not-so-distant future."