HEAD coach Carl Hogg “commands respect” and is a popular figure with Worcester Warriors’ players who “want to do well for him”.

The former Melrose and Scotland flanker took over the first-team duties at Sixways in the summer and is described by fly-half Lamb as “a good listener” and “open to opinion”.

Hogg, 47, was elevated to the top role at Warriors with assistance from high performance director Nick Johnston after Dean Ryan quit as director of rugby after three years.

“Hoggy commands respect and he’s open to opinion,” said Lamb.

“He’s a good listener and seems a bit more interactive than what we’ve had at the club.

“He is a very experienced coach.

"I like Hoggy a lot and the boys like him and want to do well for him.”

Lamb is a vastly experienced figure in the Premiership who can count Gloucester, London Irish and Leicester Tigers among his former clubs.

He believes the opportunity for players to express their opinions and be listened to in an open environment is a positive aspect of Hogg’s management.

Lamb car-shares from Cheltenham with new Warriors’ recruit Ben Te’o, a forthright character who is not afraid to have his say on matters.

“Benny is a top boy, very professional, knows his rugby and has been around some fantastic environments,” said Lamb.

“Benny knows what he likes and doesn’t mind telling people.

"But it’s good to have opinions in sport and it’s good to have people who feel they are allowed to express themselves.

“I think we now have a lot more people who can express themselves.”