DEPARTING centre Alex Grove has made an “enormous” contribution to Worcester Warriors and shaped the future “direction of the club”.

The popular 28-year-old came on as a second-half replacement against Saracens in his final appearance for the Sixways club.

He was all over the field in his 153rd and final appearance for Worcester.

And Grove was hoisted on to the shoulders of close friend and long-standing team-mate Chris Pennell and leading try-scorer Cooper Vuna at the final whistle.

Grove is leaving Warriors after 10 years and Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan was quick to point out the centre’s legacy to the club.

“I think Alex’s contribution has been enormous and he’s paved the pathway and the direction of the club over the three years I’ve been here and I am sure he did that before I arrived,” said Ryan.

“Sometimes clubs and people part ways and we really wish him well. He’s probably one of the best professionals I’ve had the luxury of working with.”

Ryan added: “I am not sure whether the game itself was surrounded by emotion but I am sure it was an emotional time for people who have been with Alex for a long time and it would have been for him.

“It’s difficult to part ways but it’s also a reality of life and we wish Alex well in whatever his next challenge is.

“Alex has been an enormous servant for Worcester and he will always be remembered by us and for what he has shaped here.”

The Warriors boss also spoke about the “different challenges” the club faces next season with an artificial surface replacing the Sixways grass.

Warriors will need to play at a quicker pace next term to suit the synthetic surface and that might have an impact on their training methods.

“I am not sure I will shed a tear just because the grass is going but it will be different,” said Ryan.

“I think the high-performance department will need to get to grips with the new surface and understand the training loads needed.

“It’s a new era and a new challenge for the club and it’s one I am sure we will take on. I am not sure I will be having any tears over the grass.”