GARY Gold says the chance to spend more time with his family in South Africa was a big factor in his decision to become USA’s head coach.

Worcester Warriors’ director of rugby is set to end his stay at Sixways next summer to take up his new role with the national team.

But the 50-year-old South African admits he did not intend to remain at the Aviva Premiership club beyond this season as he looked to return home.

“I was always going to see the season out and go back,” said Gold who signed a one-year contract extension in April.

“My daughter is doing her final exams next year and one way or another I wanted to be back for the family in what is a critical time.

“I wanted to be there to support her as they are very big exams and I have a young son who is on the autistic spectrum and I have not been home for four years on and off.

“For me to be able to spend more time at home and dong what I love doing which is rugby was what I was looking for.”

With Warriors hovering just above the relegation zone, Gold was parachuted in by the club’s bosses in January and helped them avoid the drop.

The ex-South Africa assistant coach said it was a “tough decision” to leave and stressed his determination to steer winless Worcester clear of relegation trouble.

“I was approached so I was not necessarily looking for anything else,” he added.

“I was pretty committed to Worcester and I still am.

“I was asked about the potential of getting involved in international rugby.

“I said I would be interested in having a conversation and last week I was called and said they wanted to appoint me, which is a massive privilege.

“As you know I do have a family back home.

“I have an arrangement to spend time there as well, but both parties have acknowledged that and I am very grateful for that.

“I need to weigh that up with travel, but there are 12 games in a year as opposed to the 35 we have (at Warriors) at the moment.”