Head Coach Richard Hill has praised the ‘spirit’ and ‘trust’ that Defence Coach Phil Larder has instilled in the Warriors this season – after the former England World Cup winning defensive guru pledged his future to the club.
Larder, who helped England win the Rugby World Cup in 2003, has returned to Sixways for second spell this season with eye-catching results.
The Defence Coach has helped turn Warriors into one of the best defensive units in the Aviva Premiership on their return to the top-flight and Hill believes the togetherness of the squad under Larder has been pivotal.
“Phil had an immediate respect within the squad. He is renowned in the UK as one of the best Defence Coaches around and we tempted him out of retirement with the Warriors project – he said he would do it for a year and see how we went,” said Hill.
“He has enjoyed coming back into the game and enjoyed working with the squad. He couldn’t have asked for anymore from the players and they have worked hard for him.
“He has instilled a mentality in defence to always put in huge effort, work rate and physicality. Our systems are now in place and everyone understands that. Our technical tackling aspect has improved. He has done a good job in terms of the technical side of tackling.
“We will start from a stronger base next season knowing what we now know. The defence has been very good and next year, by developing our attacking game, we should be doing less defending.
“I personally have been absolutely delighted strides and work he has done. He has been a huge contributing factor to being where we are in the league at the current time,” added Hill.
“The Aviva Premiership is a tough and unforgiving league, but the work he has done in defence has given us a hard edge.
“The defence we know have has also helped the spirit in the squad. Everybody works for each other and that creates a togetherness and spirit in the camp.
“We have also developed trust in each other and that is great for team work. To have that trust in the person you line up alongside is vital. In training and in games it builds the squad.
“Next season he will want to make us even better and eradicate any lapses in concentration. He is working as hard as ever to make us better and more consistent, his hunger for the game is as strong as ever.”
“The defence we know have has also helped the spirit in the squad. Everybody works for each other and that creates a togetherness and spirit in the camp…"