FORMER British Lions second row Nigel Redman has been appointed Worcester Rugby Club's new RFU academy manager.

The 37-year-old, who won 20 caps for England and was a member of the successful 1997 British Lions squad in South Africa, replaces Carl Douglas who moved to Gloucester earlier this year.

The former Bath player will start work at Sixways after his involvement with the England Under 19 squad ends later this month. He will then be responsible for developing the talent of RFU identified players and also coaching the Worcester academy.

Worcester is the only non-Premiership club to have been selected to host a RFU Academy. The scheme is run in partnership with Birmingham University.

"We are delighted to have secured the services of Nigel and it will be great to have him at the club steering the development of our young players and maximising the talent available throughout the West Midlands region," said Worcester's chief executive Geoff Cooke.

"He has great credibility with the younger players and brings a great deal of club and international experience to the role.

"Nigel knows exactly what is required to play at the very top and is a man of great integrity."

Redman will be assisted by former Moseley prop forward Graham Smith who has been appointed as assistant manager of the academy. Smith is currently working as assistant coach at Moseley and also coached Stourbridge from 1996 to 2000.

He currently works for the RFU as development officer for North Midlands and was recently appointed assistant coach to the England Under 18 Clubs squad. Smith will start work at Worcester on March 1.

Meanwhile, Worcester's club captain Kingsley Jones could be in line for a recall to the side to face Coventry on Saturday in the National One clash at Coundon Road. The flanker, who has missed Worcester's last three games, looks likely to get his chance following an injury to Richard Nias.

The 23-year-old had to be replaced on Saturday during Worcester's 10-6 win over London Welsh after suffering a hand and shoulder problem. Head coach John Brain was today awaiting scan results on the problem but admitted Nias was a doubt for the Coventry match.

"He lost some feeling in his arm after the match and we think it is a neural problem," he said. "He's certainly a doubt for Saturday but we will know more after the scan."

Brain has also confirmed that Scott Barrow has ended his loan spell at National Two high-flyers Orrell for the time being at least. The 21-year-old centre came on for a rare appearance against London Welsh and is now hoping to be included in Saturday's squad.