Chim Gale, Manager of the Three Pears Warriors Academy, is to leave Sixways to take up a similar post with Harlequins.
Gale joined Warriors as Outreach Academy Coach before being made Assistant Academy Manager in May 2014.
He was appointed Academy Manager in July 2016 and has since played an important role in developing a crop of exciting and talented young players.
Blindside flanker Ted Hill, who was capped by England against Japan in this season’s Autumn Internationals, prop Joe Morris, fly-half Jamie Shillcock, wing Perry Humphreys locks Justin Clegg and Andrew Kitchener and centres Will Butler and Ollie Lawrence have already made the transition from the Academy to the senior squad.
Academy players Kai Owen, currently on duty with England Under-20s in Argentina, hooker Beck Cutting, wing Alex Hearle, full-back Nick David, lock James Scott and back-row forward Tom Dodd all played first team rugby this season.
“Chim has been a first class Academy Manager as is evident from the large number of outstanding young players who have come through our Academy during his time with us,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.
“We are really sorry to see him go and wish him all the very best in his new venture.”
Solomons’ sentiments were echoed by Warriors co-owner Colin Goldring.
“Chim has done an excellent job in finding and developing the next generation of Warriors. His success is evident from the number and range of high calibre young players we now have coming through the ranks, which is a vital part of developing a top flight team,” Goldring said.
“The work Chim has done for the Warriors Three Pears Academy will continue to pay dividends to the club in years to come. We wish Chim all the best in his new role and look forward to the future of the Warriors Academy.”
Gale was educated at Blundell’s School in Devon and played for Bath’s Academy as a full-back or wing.
After studying Sports Conditioning Coaching at Hartpury College he worked as Rugby Coach at Dean Close School in Cheltenham before he joined Warriors.
“I’ve enjoyed ten wonderful years with Worcester Warriors and I can’t thank all Warriors’ staff, clubs, school, countless volunteers and stakeholders past and present enough,” Gale said.
“Everyone has been great in supporting and helping me run the Academy. Warriors have already started the recruitment process for a new Academy Manager who will lead the Academy forward and continue to produce homegrown players as this is an important part of the club’s long term vision set out by Colin, Jason and Alan.
“I wish all the staff and players every success moving forward and look forward to seeing more talented senior and junior academy players representing Warriors first XV.”