Rory Duncan: Cheetahs head coach rumour has "no substance"

Solomons insisted there was “no substance” to the speculation and stressed Duncan was “absolutely committed” to Warriors’ cause along with the rest of his coaching staff.

The 41-year-old left his role as Cheetahs head coach to join Warriors last summer.

But according to Afrikaans-language weekly newspaper Rapport Duncan is in the running to regain his old job.

Franco Smith replaced Duncan last summer but it has recently emerged that he has been approached to become Italy boss following the Rugby World Cup.

However Solomons dismissed any chance of Duncan making the move back to South Africa in the near future as he focuses on Warriors.

“There is no substance in that whatsoever, none at all,” said Solomons when quizzed about the Duncan speculation.

“All the coaches here have worked hard and made positive contributions.

“There is nobody that hasn’t given absolutely everything to the Worcester cause. I would say for all our coaches, so Rory, Omar (Mouneimne, defence coach), Doaky (Neil Doak, attack coach), Mefin (Davies, forward coach) and all the other guys are absolutely committed to what they are doing.”

Duncan starred for Cheetahs as captain before joining their coaching team in 2014. He was appointed director of rugby a year later before becoming head coach in 2017 ahead of their first season in Pro 14.

Since his arrival at Sixways, Duncan has helped to lead Worcester to the knockout stages of the Premiership Cup and European Challenge Cup.

Worcester have struggled for consistency in the Gallagher Premiership as they sit one place and seven points above the drop zone.

But speaking to the Worcester News in October Duncan spoke of his desire to be at Warriors for the long run.

“We are in a house not too far down the road from here and the kids are in good schools,” Duncan said.

“I would like to be here for a while.

“With my personality when I commit to something I like to see it through.”