PROFESSIONAL rugby clubs are “creating a generation of full-time trainers” who “never actually play the game”.

That’s the warning from Worcester Warriors head coach Carl Hogg, who is keen to utilise young players in the club’s European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup exploits.

Hogg believes youngsters must be challenged at a competitive level and will learn much more from matches than training on the paddock.

“Over the last 15 to 20 years since I’ve been involved as a player and a coach in professional rugby we are now creating a generation of full-time trainers and they never actually play the game,” said the former Scotland international.

“I am a massive believer that for players to develop they have to play the game at a competitive level that challenges them which makes them reflect on what they did well and what they need to get better at.

“It’s essential all young players who are not playing regular first-team rugby get a competitive level of football every weekend.”

Warriors youngsters Josh Adams, Derrick Appiah and Tiff Eden linked up with Championship Nottingham on dual registration in August.

Academy trio Charlie Hewitt, Sam Ripper-Smith and Huw Taylor joined Championship London Scottish later that month on dual registration.

Appiah, Eden and Adams spent time at Cinderford last season, while Eden, Dean Hammond and prop Mike Daniels have also been at Nottingham.

Hogg hailed Worcester's strong working relationship with lower-graded clubs who are keen to take on board their young guns.

Hogg said: “We are using clubs like London Scottish and Nottingham as an opportunity for players to go out and ply their trade and I believe that’s how players will learn.

“It’s done through Mark Hewitt and Chim Gale in our academy set-up and these guys have set up a playing programme for our young fellas.”

Injuries to senior players have thrust academy duo Jamie Shillcock and Adams into Warriors’ first team duty.

Along with 22-year-old Perry Humphreys, Shillcock and Adams have not looked out of place in the Aviva Premiership.

“I have seen a lot of the younger players who have become great athletes through gym programmes and strength and conditioning and nutritional programmes,” said Hogg.

“However, they don’t know how to manage or influence a game in a positive way and our relationships through Nottingham and London Scottish are fantastic.”