Matt Everard named as new Worcester Warriors head coach

Matt Everard has been named as the new head coach of Worcester Warriors.

Everard's last job in rugby was as the defence coach for Leicester Tigers but left the post in February, a role which he took up back in December 2022.

The 34-year-old was also previously a professional rugby player, starting his career at Leicester before moving to Wasps then later Nottingham.

In a statement, Matt Everard said: “This is a club with real heart, a proud history, and a loyal community behind it.

"The opportunity to be part of its resurgence is incredibly special.

"I’m here to build a team that works hard, plays with passion, and represents the people of Worcester with pride.”

Worcester Warriors CEO, Stephen Vaughan added: “Matt is the right person to lead this new chapter.

Having worked closely with Matt previously, he is perfect for the role, and we are delighted to have him join us at the very outset.

He understands the values and culture we are looking to build here and the potential of Worcester Warriors.

His elite level experience, connections and leadership will be crucial as we return to competitive rugby and rebuild from the ground up.”

The club say Everard’s appointment signals the "beginning of a new era for Worcester Warriors, as the club rebuilds with renewed ambition, focus, and a clear vision for the future".

Rugby return

It follows the news the club announced last month it would be joining the revamped second tier of English rugby union for the 2025/26 season.

They played their last match back on 24 September 2022 at Sixways, Steve Diamond being the director of the rugby that day, where they beat Newcastle Falcons 39-5 before falling into administration just days later.

In May 2023, Atlas were announced as the new owners of the club, but in April 2024 a statement on the club's website said Atlas Worcester Warriors had entered administration in the hope of bringing professional rugby back to Sixways.

Loxwood Holdings said they would be taking control of the club after they "stepped in" to financially assist Atlas Worcester Warriors in completing its purchase of the former Worcester Warriors Rugby club from its administrators.

The statement added that financial assistance was only intended to be a "short-term position to help and assist in the eventual recovery of Worcester Warriors", but Atlas were "unable to meet its ongoing financial obligations".

A new group was then formed in Junction 6 Limited, who submitted an 'expression of interest' for the club to join the second tier of the professional game in England back in October.

The formal application of the process to be a part of the league was submitted in November, before redevelopment plans for the ground were also announced in December.

Ground expansion

Further proposals by Junction 6 Limited could also see the increasing in the capacity of the ground from 11,500 to 12,750, along with an on-site 120 bed hotel aimed at boosting the economy and tourism.

Other parts of plan include a national centre for Esports, and improved transport connections, with a view to re-introduce shuttle bus services to and from the city centre and rail station on matchday.