Worcester Warriors CEO speaks on Dean Ryan release

Following the announcement of Dean Ryan's departure from Worcester Warriors, CEO Jim O'Toole was keen to scotch rumours that Ryan might turn up on the road to Bath. 

"Ryan made it crystal clear that he no longer wished to be Director of Rugby at this club and sought to be released from his contract," said O'Toole at a press conference at Sixways today.

"The club is in excellent condition on and off the pitch. We were more than pleased with last year's performance in the Premiership and we saw no reason why he wouldn't continue in that role into the new season."

Concluding his statement, O'Toole added, "Dean departed the club last night and he leaves with our disappointment but our best wishes for whatever his next venture may be. He will not be moving to another Premiership Rugby club, I'd like to make that clear, he will not."

Regarding moving forward, O'Toole stressed that they had a succession plan already in place which has kicked in and they will not appoint a new Director of Rugby.