WORCESTER Warriors have announced a recently retired former England international as their new head of academy.
Former Wasps and Harlequins second-row Joe Launchbury has been confirmed as the head of Warriors' rejuvenated academy.
Speaking on taking on the role, Launchbury said: "It's a really exciting time for me and for the club.
"I’m really honoured to be here at the start of the journey for the Academy. It’s a club with a huge amount of history, especially in the academy area.
“Working with the next generation, working with these younger players definitely excites me, and the opportunity to come here to Worcester was something I didn’t want to turn down.”
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Head coach Matt Everard added: "Joe is one of the best leaders I’ve worked with. He has added to every environment he’s been in and embodies high performance.
"With his playing experience combined with his academy coaching experience at Wasps & Harlequins, he is a hugely exciting addition to the club.”
“This is a big step forward in nurturing all the local homegrown talent we are blessed with. We are looking forward to working with Joe to bring this to life.”
Warriors are rebooting their academy following a title-winning return season, which saw them claim the Champ Rugby title with a play-off final win over Bedford Blues.
The academy relaunch plays a part in reaching the criteria to earn a place in the future expanded Premiership, which is aiming to grow into a 12-team division by the 2029/30 season.
Clubs will be judged on their finances, investment potential, infrastructure, standard of play, attendance, fanbase engagement and how their location could help spread the appeal of the Prem.
On Launchbury's arrival, Warriors CEO Stephen Vaughan said: "We are delighted to welcome Joe Launchbury as the new Head of the Worcester Warriors Academy.
“The role attracted a lot of interest; however Joe's outstanding playing career, leadership qualities, and deep understanding of player development make him the ideal person to help shape the next generation of Warriors talent.
“We are excited to have Joe join the club and look forward to the impact he will make across talent ID and our player pathway programme."
Warriors boast a number of current England internationals who came through the ranks in their academy, including the likes of Fin Smith, Ollie Lawrence, Seb Atkinson and Ted Hill.
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Launchbury will be linking up with 2025/26 Harlequins teammate Joe Jones at Sixways, who has been announced to be signing for Worcester Warriors.
Launchbury's retirement from his playing days was announced in April, following a 70-cap England career that saw him play a part in the 2016, 2017 and 2020 Six Nations-winning teams, as well as playing at the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
He came through Harlequins' academy before moving to Wasps at the start of his rugby career.
The forward went on to captain the side and rack up 170 appearances over 12 years before the club folded.
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After a brief spell playing in Japan, he joined Harlequins in 2023 but featured just six times in his final season.
Internationally, Launchbury made his England debut in 2012 and won the England player of the year award later the same season.
