DEPARTING Warriors academy manager Andrew Stanley has revealed the satisfaction he achieved from seeing his Sixways starlets go on to win international honours.

The Gloucester-bound Worcester coach has presided over a whole host of players who have made the transition from academy youngster to Premiership regular and beyond.

Stanley, who spent seven years in charge of the highly-respected Worcester academy, is returning to his former club to take up a similar role.

He said: “I’ve clearly enjoyed working closely with Gary Meechan and we’ve overseen the development of a significant number of players that are currently within the first-team squad.

“They include our club captain Chris Pennell and a host of current internationals, some of whom now ply their trades at other clubs. We’ve been lucky to work with some very good players and have always looked to create an environment where there is a real desire to play for your club and realise how special that is.

“We sat down recently and worked out more than 30 players from the academy have played Premiership rugby during the period we have worked together which is significant.

“It gives you a huge sense of satisfaction when you see the likes of Matt Mullan and Alex Grove gain full international honours while they have been at the club and even people like Tom Wood and Dylan Hartley making their England debuts.”

Stanley also had warm words for the Sixways backroom coaches he has worked closely with – both in terms of the academy and the first-team squad.

He added: “Not only have I enjoyed working with the existing crop, headed by Richard Hill, but also many others throughout the club structure.

“Stuart Pickering, Mike Lancaster, Karl Denvir, Tom Tench and Ben Mcdonald have all come through the academy as part of the backroom team and made an impression.

“I am also confident that, with the current calibre of our talented backroom team of Simon Lane, Ryan Fisher, John Chaffe and Dan Lyne, the academy is in good hands for the future.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to chairman Cecil Duckworth. During my time here he has been fantastic and clearly takes great pleasure in seeing homegrown players come through the system. The opportunity he has given me and his support has been excellent.”