INJURED flanker Dewald Potgieter still has an important role to play in Worcester Warriors’ fight against relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

The South African forward has been ruled out for the rest of the season and needs an operation to repair a damaged shoulder.

But Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan wants Potgieter to continue having input into the club’s battle to remain in the top tier.

“I have got a huge amount of respect for what he brings but, when you lose your core showpiece as a player, it’s tough,” said Ryan.

“It’s a big challenge for him now to keep contributing to what we know he gives in leadership but without being able to play.

“It’s tough when you’re new into a place like he is but I have had a long conversation with him.

“I’ve got a huge amount of time for him as a person and I don’t want to lose that input just because he isn’t playing.”

The Springbok international was hurt in the first half of Warriors’ 15-14 Premiership win at Newcastle Falcons.

Potgieter fought back the pain to score a 39th-minute try for Warriors in their crucial victory against relegation rivals Falcons at Kingston Park last week.

The 28-year-old, who joined the club last month, is the second back rower at Warriors in recent weeks to need shoulder surgery after former Ospreys flanker Sam Lewis required an operation.

Potgieter, who has played six times for the Springboks, has signed a contract to remain at Sixways until the end of next season.

Ryan said: “We are still fighting and still need all the people we’ve got here ready to help us.

“At the moment, Dewald’s caught in no-man’s land a bit because he hasn’t had the surgery.

“But he’s a tough man and I am more interested in dealing with the problem and making sure we get the best out of him while he’s here.”