THINGS have “settled down” at Worcester Warriors since the shock departure of Sixways director of rugby Dean Ryan.

Head coach Carl Hogg has praised Warriors’ squad who have “worked extremely hard” and are “looking fit” as they prepare for the new Aviva Premiership campaign.

Hogg will be taking charge of all first-team affairs this season and Warriors have no plans to replace Ryan with a new director of rugby.

Ryan was at the helm for three seasons before departing unexpectedly last month.

“I must compliment the players since they have come back in pre-season,” said Hogg.

“They have worked extremely hard and are looking fit and we are looking forward to the challenges. Things have settled down.

“It (Ryan’s departure) was unexpected and a little bit of a shock but if we reflect on the playing group they have shown huge character and resilience and not just through this summer but throughout last year.

“If we think of that 10-week run of matches we had last season, we won five out of six fixtures and there’s a huge amount of character and resilience in this squad now.

“They have shown that over the last couple of weeks with unexpected disruptions, but they are in really good fettle.”

Warriors begin their new Premiership campaign against star-studded European Championships Saracens at Twickenham on Saturday, September 3 (2pm).

Their first warm-up match is an away friendly at French Top 14 giants Clermont Auvergne in Issoire on Friday, August 12 (7pm BST).

Warriors will head to Championship outfit Jersey on Saturday, August 20, before travelling to Ireland to face Munster on Friday, August 26.

Hogg added: “The players have already done a four-week block of physical conditioning, had a week off and then we will come more into integrated rugby and conditioning block before we head out to France.

“The pre-season programme was already in place, so it was something we discussed prior to the start of the season. The first four-week block has gone really well.”