Dean Ryan insists the disappointment of Warriors’ relegation from the Aviva Premiership will spur his side on in returning to the big time.
Warriors fell to a 44-20 defeat at Saracens – condemning them to second-tier rugby next season, despite two tries from Chris Pennell and one from Semisi Taulava.
But the Director of Rugby believes his players will be ready to bounce back.
He said: “We’re in the Championship now and that’s going to drive us on. There are some big players in that changing room so it is going to hurt.
“To try and save our season at Saracens was always asking a lot. The gap in class, pace and physicality was clear.
“We were spirited and worked hard but every time we got close they changed gears. That’s the reality of what the top is.”
Warriors have tested the league’s top sides over recent months and Ryan paid tribute to the work of the tight group that has featured over that period.
He added: “I’m really proud of these 20 or 25 people who have been working hard for the last two or three months.
“It’s a tough day for everyone around the club. But it’s an important day for people to recognise that changes have been put in place to ensure we never end up here again.
“Post-Christmas we found a group and the improvement they have made is quite clear. They care about the club and that’s the behaviour we want to centre going forward.
“People who are coming in are going to add to that and we are going to try and grow to become a proper rugby club – one that can be successful, one that puts the resources in the right areas, trusts its academy and can get back to this level. And not just to get back here, but to grow at this level.”
The former England number-eight also praised the club’s support and confirmed that any player in his team must want to play for the fans.
He concluded: “The fans have been fantastic. We have to find those players who show how much they care for Worcester and the supporters who come to watch them.”