Rugby Union
Worcester Warriors Name Former Leicester Defence Coach Matt Everard As Boss Ahead Of Championship Return
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Get to know James Chittick betterPublished13 May 2025
Worcester Warriors have named former Leicester Tigers defence coach Matt Everard as their new head coach ahead of the club’s return to the Championship next season.
The Midlands club are due to return to competition next season after more than two years in istration.
Warriors will re- the professional game in the new-look second-tier Championship, ing the current 12 teams from this season, plus Richmond, who won promotion from National League One.
Worcester’s suspension from all competition came after they failed to pay tax and staff salaries.
But new owners have since cleared their debts, allowing the club to re the league pyramid.
They needed to the RFU’s rigorous financial viability tests, something they have now done.
Matt Everard Named Worcester Warriors Head Coach
Former back-row forward Everard, 34, spent his playing days at Leicester and Wasps, retiring in 2017 before taking up a coaching role at Wasps.
In 2022, he returned to Welford Road as a senior academy coach with Leicester.
Later that year, he became senior defence coach for the Tigers, but stepped down from that role in February 2025.
Speaking to BBC Radio Hereford & Worcester, Everard said: “What we’re doing is one of a kind really, building from scratch with a clean slate.”
Introducing our new Head Coach, Matt Everard- formerly of Leicester Tigers, Wasps & Nottingham. In his first interview, he shares his vision for Worcester Warriors.
🎥 Watch now: https://t.co/I8DCMleCwH#MattEverard #WarriorsReturn #Sixways
— Worcester Warriors (@WorcsWarriors) May 13, 2025
He added that the club was aiming for a squad of 30-40 players. Some experienced, familiar names will be blended with promising youngsters.
The club have reportedly been ‘inundated’ with agents reaching out on behalf of interested players.
New gs should start to be announced within the coming weeks.
Worcester Warriors Ready For ‘New Chapter’
Everard said that the new squad will meet for pre-season in mid-July.
There are currently plans for two pre-season fixtures ahead of the Championship season.
“This is a club with real heart, a proud history, and a loyal community behind it,” he added.
“The opportunity to be part of its resurgence is incredibly special. I’m here to build a team that works hard, plays with ion, and represents the people of Worcester with pride.”
Worcester CEO Stephen Vaughan said: “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 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.”