AFTER being away from the game since last December, Steve Diamond has come out of his self-imposed exile to join Worcester Warriors in a new role.

The former Sale Sharks director of rugby will be Warriors' new 'rugby consultant', reporting to director of rugby Alan Solomons and assisting head coach Jonathan Thomas.

The 53-year-old spent eight years with the Salford-based club but left last December.

But he is now heading back into coaching and moving south to Sixways to join forces with Thomas.

“I met with Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham and they impressed me as two very enthusiastic owners who want to build on the legacy that Cecil Duckworth, who was someone I knew reasonably well, left,” Diamond said.

“After a year out of the game I’m delighted to be coming in to assist Solly and to work with JT to help improve results.

“The first couple of weeks, after I start a week on Monday, will be about assessing where we are and where we need to tighten things up.

“The first objective will be to ensure that we become a difficult team to beat but we have an exciting back line that, when all are fit, can challenge any in the Premiership.”

Worcester weren't the only ones interested, however, as fellow league strugglers Bath were linked to Diamond's services.

Bath are rock bottom after losing all seven of their opening games in the 2021/22 campaign, with Worcester sitting in tenth having beaten Diamond's former club Sale in round seven.

It remains to be seen how exactly the dynamic between Thomas and Diamond will work but with current DoR Alan Solomons out of contract at the end of the season, it could be that Diamond is his eventual long-term replacement.

Diamond worked with Solomons when both were involved with the Russian national side between 2010-2011.

“Steve, will add huge value to our existing coaching staff,” Solomons said.

“I worked with Steve when he was Head Coach of Russia and I was heading up the IRB’s High Performance programme.

“He is a shrewd and experienced coach. We worked well together and I look forward to welcoming him to Sixways.”