WORCESTER Warriors' new fifty cap man Ashley Beck explained that he was sorry to see former Ospreys teammate and close friend Jonathan Thomas leave Worcester Warriors.

The shock news last week revealed that the now ex-head coach Thomas was to depart the club "with immediate effect" after it was also announced Steve Diamond would be taking the director of rugby role at the end of the season.

Beck, who played with Thomas at the Ospreys and for the Welsh national team, won his 50th cap for Worcester during last weekend's 13-29 defeat at home to Northampton Saints in the Gallagher Premiership.

Afterwards, Beck said: "JT has been great. He came in and had a great mentality about how he wanted to play the game, his knowledge, even playing with him, he knew how to play the game.

"It's professional sport at the end of the day but it's never nice to see someone leave especially a great friend like him so I just wish him the best of luck."

The 31-year-old from Neath believes Thomas could be the perfect fit for a role back home in Wales, where there has been much debate over the struggles of the regional sides.

"Hopefully he gets back into coaching sooner rather than later," he added.

"And especially with Welsh rugby now, they need someone like him who has his expertise and worked with some of the best people in Britain."

Despite the result on his big day, Beck spoke very highly of his current club and also explained how competition for places in the Warriors midfield has helped his level of performance.

"I have loved every minute here," he continued.

"My first season was tough with injury but I got over that and everyone here has been great. I feel a part of the club, made lifelong friends and now to share a moment like that (50th cap) with family and my two year old daughter is a special one.

"There are a good group of centres here.

"Ollie Lawrence, when he gets back, speaks for itself. He is a big powerful boy, Oli Morris is another impressive youngster coming through and that's without talking about someone like Seb Atkinson coming through so there's massive competition for places and it's making everything better."