Ireland legend Donncha O’Callaghan is "right man" to lead Worcester Warriors next season, says Ben Te'o

The 38-year-old former British and Irish Lions lock has been superb since Gary Gold became Warriors’ director of rugby at the end of January.

But O’Callaghan, who spent 17 years at Irish club Munster, is out of contract at Sixways at the end of this campaign.

“Donners is a very good captain,” said Te’o, who played under O’Callaghan’s leadership when Warriors thrashed Russian minnows Enisei-STM 57-14 in the European Challenge Cup in January.

“Donners is very impressive when he talks and has a wealth of experience,

"He has many caps for Ireland, been with the British Lions and on winning teams. He knows what a winning team looks like.

“I think before he was just sitting back and letting other people run it but now he’s running it, he’s doing a really good job."

Earlier this season, O'Callaghan had been rumoured to be heading back to Ireland in the summer or taking up a player-coaching role in France.

But Warriors are understood to be keen to keep the Cork-born ace at the club for at least another term.

Te'o said: “I think the group responds really well to him and I think he’s the right man for the job.

“I am not sure what’s happening next year with him.

"I would love him to stay around because I think he’s a really impressive captain."

Te’o is back at Sixways after helping England to the Six Nations crown.

He has overcome concussion and looks set to feature in Warriors' Aviva Premiership trip to Sale Sharks on Friday (7.45pm).

It will be the first time Te'o has played for Warriors since their emphatic victory against Enisei.

He has yet to play under Gold's regime.

“I have only been at two training and two meetings (with Gary)," said Te'o.

“He gets his point across and his relationship with the players is very good.

“I think everyone really wants to play for him.

"All I keep hearing is that’s he’s such a great guy.

"He’s doing a really good job.

"I need to get on the field, perform and help to contribute. We need to keep winning games."

New Zealand-born Te'o is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Warriors' talismanic scrum-half Francois Hougaard.

“I haven’t played with him either yet," said Te'o.

"I am looking forward to getting on the pitch. I have seen footage of him and he’s had some good moments at this club.

"I am looking forward to getting on the field and seeing what we can do.”