Former England forward Dean Ryan has revealed his 'excitement' as he prepares to take on the role of director of rugby at Worcester Warriors.

It is understood that Ryan, who is a former pundit for Sky Sports News, has already started work in preparation for the new season.

"I am excited to be with Worcester Warriors, and I am looking forward to what is a huge challenge," he said in a statement.

"Right from the outset to come back into rugby was about finding something that did excite me. In my own head I got to a place where I thought I was going to carry on with TV.

"I didn't really see a challenge that lit the fire back inside, and I think conversations with Cecil (Worcester chairman Cecil Duckworth) is something that started to do that."

Worcester have won just five games this season.