HOOKERS Niall Annett and Dan George will continue to improve and make progress at Sixways, insists Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan.

The Warriors boss says there is no need to panic after Gus Creevy signed a contract with the Argentina Rugby Federation (UAR) to join a new Pumas franchise.

Creevy, who skippers the Pumas, is leaving Warriors at the end of the season to play in Super Rugby.

Ryan said: “Gus hasn’t played regularly for us this season and I think some of that has been down to form, so that’s a credit to the other people around.

“Gus hasn’t played a huge amount for us but we know what he is capable of and we obviously want that for the final few games.

“We also have to give credit to Niall Annett and Dan George who have fought hard and we have been transparent in saying that reputations won’t count towards a starting place.

“We are not panicking about a hole being left behind.

“I am confident people can come through and develop. We are not panicking about this situation.”

Creevy scored a try on his Warriors debut in October 2013 and has gone on to appear 23 times for the club.

He is the first European-based player to sign for the new Pumas franchise.

Ryan said: “I think the Argentina Rugby Federation were fighting to get Argentina into the Rugby Championship and then to get a Super Rugby franchise.

“For Gus to be captain of his nation and be at the centre of it is quite an exciting challenge.

“It’s right that Gus goes home because I know it’s going to take big people to get this franchise moving and get it into the right place.

“We have never had an issue with this and we have always known the possibility of Gus leaving was there and in the background.

“We have been in agreement that it’s probably right for Gus to go home.

“Argentina have a number of talented individuals but no professional rugby structure in the country. They were a pretty nomadic international side three or four years ago and had success in World Cups.

“Now they are in the Championship, they need something which underpins it all. It’s an enormous step for Argentina and there’s nothing better than having your captain in the middle of that challenge.”

Ryan continued: “We have been in conversations with Gus very early on and we were very aware of the backdrop.

“I don’t know what Leo Senatore’s situation is but Gus is clearly a catalyst for others.”