DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan has outlined his three-pronged approach for Worcester Warriors’ return to the Aviva Premiership.

Ryan insist it’s essential Worcester’s players enjoy themselves in the top tier, realise it’s their big opportunity and make sure they learn throughout the campaign.

He spoke about his ambition as Warriors players, officials, staff and sponsors lined up for the camera yesterday at Sixways for the club’s media day.

Ryan said: “It’s important for the fans to have realistic expectations and for us to try to exceed those.

“It’s that combination which drives on teams.

“We are not firing anything about — we are going to enjoy the Premiership.

“There are a lot of guys who have wanted this opportunity and we want to do our best and see where we can take this club," added Ryan.

“If we enjoy ourselves and play at our best and keep learning then we will be alright.

Those are probably three things we want to maintain across the season irrespective of how the results go.”

“We haven’t spent a huge amount of time reflecting on last season’s promotion.

“We enjoyed the moment and we all went away on holiday planning on how to get on in the Premiership.

“There’s been an enormous amount of work, not only in recruiting players but getting everybody ready to play in the Premiership.

“The majority of these guys have wanted the opportunity in the top flight and it’s our job to make sure they are best prepared for it.

“It was a great night and great scenes after the Bristol game but the first thing you do is wake up the next day and think about the work you have got to do. That’s what the summer has been about.”

Ryan and his coaching staff gave opportunities to young players last season as Warriors clinched promotion from the Championship at the first attempt.

He said: “We did a great job last season to expand the squad, expand the people who could play and now we need some people to make the step up.

“If we operate at the same level as last year we won’t be anywhere near the level we need to be at.

“We have taken opportunities to strengthen the squad but we need people to step up.

“Last year was their opportunity to play and this year the players need to show they can get across the gap.

“Anything below that and we’re not going to survive.

“We are under no illusions about the reality of the Premiership.

“It’s above anything we have played so we are going to need to improve dramatically to give ourselves a chance.”