Steve Diamond hopes that the Premiership Rugby Cup win will be the catalyst for further success at Sixways.
Warriors held their nerve to secure the first silverware in the top-flight in the club’s history by beating London Irish 3-1 on the more tries rule after the sides were deadlocked at 25-25 after extra-time in a pulsating final at the Brentford Community Stadium.
The win required grit, determination and a little luck and Diamond, who made it back-to-back wins in the competition having guided Sale Sharks to the title the last time the cup was played two years ago, was proud of the way his players battled through 100 nerve-jangling minutes.
“I am really pleased for the lads and for the club. Worcester have been through more downs than ups over the last couple of years so, hopefully, something like this can be the catalyst for steadying the ship and being highly competitive,” said Diamond, Warriors Lead Rugby Consultant.
“A number of lads who played here are leaving at the end of the season and I think that was part of the performance that we got.
“Niall Annett, who has been a legend here, and Ethan Waller to name just a couple, are moving on and they have put their body on the line every week for Warriors for the last seven or eight years.
“So I am pleased for them, I am pleased for the young lads like Gareth Simpson and Fin Smith and I am pleased for the supporters, who have been fantastic in the way they have got behind us.”
Diamond has already moved to strengthen the pack for next season by bringing in seven experienced forwards – with more to follow – to add to the core of a squad that has shown an ability to win under pressure with consecutive away wins at Bath, Gloucester and Irish to complete a memorable cup run.
“There are ten lads – no big names – who work hard but who have got 100 games in the Premiership or equivalent leagues coming in,” he said.
“And the Academy pumps lads through. I did it at Sale and I will do it again. So, Worcester are no longer a soft touch moving forward.”