Warriors appoint Simon Norris as Recruitment Analyst

Warriors have appointed Simon Norris as the club’s first Recruitment Analyst.

Norris – better known as ‘Chuck’ – arrives at Sixways from Bristol Bears where he was Senior Performance Analysis having previously had seven years as Head Performance Analyst for Exeter Chiefs where he was an important part of Rob Baxter’s backroom team when they won their first Premiership title in 2017.

Norris, who has a Masters degree in Performance Analysis, is a Welsh RU Level Three coach and he has also worked with Scarlets and Dragons in his native Wales.

In his newly-created role with Norris will be responsible for unearthing talented players below the Gallagher Premiership and in leagues across the world who can be nurtured and developed by Warriors.

“Part of our vision is to develop home-grown players but the recruitment of players from outside our Academy is as important,” said Warriors Head Coach Jonathan Thomas.

“Our signing of Duhan van der Merwe and Rory Sutherland are both big statements of where we want to go. But underneath that there are also players that we have signed from the Championship like Kyle Hatherell, Jack Johnson and Jay Tyack.

“But it’s not just about x-factor players. It’s about being smart with our recruitment and uncovering the little gems that are always out there. They may be late developers or players that have stagnated at another club or whose development is being blocked by other players.

“Chuck has good knowledge of the game, he’s a very hard worker and his remit will be to take our recruitment to another level.

“He will be looking at the Championship and other leagues around the world and, because he is an analyst as well, he can bring good data to the role.

“We are excited about his appointment and, like all aspects of the rugby department, we are looking to take each to another level.”

Norris has already started work and Sixways and he has made a favourable impression in his time with Warriors.

“It is terrific for the club that we have been able to secure the services of Chuck for the recently created and important role of Recruitment Analyst,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.

“Chuck has tremendous experience as a performance analyst, having worked for some years in the Gallagher Premiership, and is ideally equipped for the role.

“He has fitted in well here at Warriors. He is a good man and gets on well with everyone.

“We are really pleased to have him as part of the Warriors family and I have no doubt that he will make an invaluable contribution to our cause.”

SIGN UP TO THE WARRIORS WEEKLY NEWSLETTER