DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan says Worcester Warriors have three scrum halves they are “really happy with” for next season.

The Sixways boss doesn’t think the club will look to recruit a fourth experienced scrum-half over the summer.

Charlie Mulchrone and Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier are leaving Sixways for Harlequins and French minnows Nevers respectively when their two-year deals expire at the end of the season.

And, according to Ryan, Warriors will probably look to their academy for an additional number nine.

Ryan revealed the club now saw academy starlet Jamie Shillcock as a fly-half rather than a scrum-half.

South African international Francois Hougaard is Warriors first-choice number nine after arriving at the club in February.

Stalwart Jonny Arr is recovering from a long-term knee injury and Luke Baldwin has established himself as Hougaard’s deputy.

Asked whether Warriors would look to bring in a fourth scrum-half, Ryan said: “I don’t think so. We’ve got three scrum-halves we’re really happy with.

“We have to remember Jonny Arr and he makes us a lot stronger. Jonny is fine and on track for a return but he just won’t hit this season. He will fit into the middle of June."

“I think we will look at a youngster who we need to sit behind that group and who will start learning from them. But we are not in a rush to do that and I think that will come from an academy situation.”

Last year, Coventry-born Shillcock was the emergency scrum-half back-up to Bruzulier for Warriors’ play-off bid after Arr was suspended and Mulchrone broke his foot.

Shillock became the youngest player at 17 years and 280 days old to figure in a Championship play-off when he helped Warriors overcome London Scottish 38-15 in the semi-final second leg.

Shillcock was also on the bench for Warriors’ two-legged play-off final triumph against Bristol But Ryan said: "We see Jamie moving more into a 10 role."