RETIRED back Paul Warwick has joined the ever-growing backroom set-up at Worcester Warriors.

The 33-year-old Australian, who made 20 appearances last season, was forced to call time on his playing career due to a neck injury sustained last season.

He will now work with the Sixways first team and academy players as part of director of rugby Dean Ryan’s new-look staff.

Warwick said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity to work with this season’s playing squad alongside an array of experienced coaches.

“I will be aiming to pass on my rugby knowledge to the current players, while beginning to learn my trade as a coach as part of the backroom team.”

Ryan added: “Paul has enjoyed a distinguished career in professional rugby and he will now focus his attentions on working with current players and supporting our coaching staff to impart the knowledge he has built up.”

Warwick joined Worcester in the summer of 2013 following two years with Stade Francais in the Top 14.

Prior to that he enjoyed four years at Munster, during which time the club won the Celtic League twice and Heineken Cup once.