FORMER Worcester Warriors flanker Jake Abbott is remaining in the sport after landing a role with the Rugby Players’ Association (RPA).

The 28-year-old ex-England sevens star will look after the welfare of players at Newcastle Falcons, RPA Alumni North, and the Yorkshire Carnegie academy.

Abbott returned to Worcester after calling time on his spell as a professional player with Griffins in Dallas, USA, after two seasons where he was also assistant coach.

And the former Worcester Sixth Form College student starts his new player development manager job next Monday.

“I am looking forward to encouraging the welfare of the players and one of my main aims is to get more to engage in player development pathways,” said Abbott, who is likely to move up north with his family.

“Last year, the RPA had more than 82 per cent of players in player development pathways and it’s important to upskill players outside the sport and plan for their futures.

“This is definitely a great success story for me because I feel blessed to have landed this opportunity and I am keen to embrace it.”

Abbott progressed through Worcester’s mini junior set-up and became an integral member of Warriors’ squad after making his debut in 2008.

He made 72 first-team appearances as he helped Worcester secure promotion from the Championship in 2011.

However, Abbott suffered a serious knee injury and, after he was released by Warriors, linked up with Griffins in 2014.

“I was sad to leave Worcester because I had played at the club since I was six and they were a club I had supported long before I became a professional player,” said Abbott.

“Going to the USA was a new opportunity for me and my family and a great opportunity to go to a new environment and get back to grassroots rugby in the fastest-growing sport in the USA.

“Dean Schofield had played youth rugby with the Griffins owner and was asked to join but he passed the opportunity on to me.

“The standard of competition was probably equivalent to the lower end of our Championship and the level of playing depth in the squads was a few leagues down from that.

“I missed one or two games with concussion and a few matches due to a cartilage problem in my left knee but I was fit and healthy.

“I made my decision to retire from playing professionally before my body gave up because I want to play a bit of touch rugby with my kids when I am 50.”

Abbott is best friends with Warriors scrum-half Jonny Arr, who made three trips to Dallas when he was living in the USA.

The duo both took degree courses through the RPA with Abbott securing first-class honours in leadership and management.

The RPA looks after the welfare of 650 players in England and more than 380 former players.

They have close links to the RFU and Premiership Rugby and support player welfare on and off the field during and after their careers.

Abbott was player representative on the RPA during three seasons at Worcester.

“When my family and I decided to come back to the UK, the RPA was my first port of call,” said Abbott.

“I am really looking forward to my new role. I can’t wait to get to work and to meet all the lads from Falcons and the academy lads at Carnegie.”