Warriors are delighted to confirm that former England defensive coach Phil Larder will remain at Sixways until the end of the current season.
Larder was recruited to reinforce Worcester Warriors’ Guinness Premiership campaign in November and has helped transform the side and develop one of the meanest defences in the top-flight.
The 62-year-old, who was part of Clive Woodward’s backroom staff when England won the World Cup in 2003, was due to discuss his future at the club following the last-gasp victory over Newcastle Falcons.
And Director of Rugby John Brain has revealed that Larder will now continue to work with the first team over the remaining three league games.
“I spoke to Phil and he stated his desire to remain with Warriors until the end of the season,” said Brain. “It’s very good news for the club and I’m pleased he has agreed to stay and finish the job off because he has made a very positive impact on all the players.”
Larder’s pedigree in the game is vast after playing rugby union at centre for Broughton Park in Manchester and then Sale Sharks. He then transferred to rugby league, playing for home town club Oldham and later Whitehaven.
The tough Lancastrian has since applied his experience of League defensive patterns and techniques to the unique challenges of Union with unparalleled success.
He worked with Leicester Tigers and helped them to back-to-back Heineken Cup victories in 2001 and 2002. As well as being a key influence at Welford Road, Larder helped England to the 2003 Rugby World Cup and RBS Six Nations Grand Slam in 2003.
A former Director of Coaching for Rugby League in England, Larder also spent seven years as assistant coach to the Great Britain side.