Phil Vickery will work alongside Nigel Redman at the Warriors © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Nigel Redman | Phil Vickery

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Teams: England | Worcester Warriors

The Worcester Warriors have announced the appointment of Phil Vickery as assistant forwards coach to Nigel Redman.

Worcester unveiled Redman as their new forwards supremo last week and they have moved to bolster their options in that department with the 'Raging Bull' himself, Vickery. The former prop turned out for England on 73 occasions and also has five British & Irish Lions Test caps to his name.

The former front-row has a wealth of experience in the department having turned out for Wasps and Gloucester at club level. Vickery will now look to make his mark in the backroom side of rugby and he is relishing the chance to start his new role.

"Since I retired I've had the chance to try out a variety of new projects and I look forward to continuing to develop these areas, but rugby has always been my first love and I've kept in close touch with the game," Vickery said. "I know Hilly [head coach Richard Hill] well from my Gloucester days and I've worked with Phil Larder and Nigel Redman before, so it's a coaching team I feel very comfortable joining.

"Throughout my career I've always been driven to succeed, and with the Premiership being as competitive as ever it is important that everybody at Worcester pulls together to keep moving the club up the table. I'm looking forward to joining up with the boys for pre-season and having a positive impact on the club."

And in related news, Esher have announced that former England international Ollie Smith has taken up the post of head coach at the club. He will be assisted by former Toulon second-row Kris Chesney who will take on a player-coach position.