‘Special’ Billy Twelvetrees comes out of retirement to take up ‘exciting’ player-coach challenge
Billy Twelvetrees, the 2013 British and Lions pick, is coming out of retirement
Worcester Warriors’ impressive recruitment drive ahead of their return to rugby continued on Monday with confirmation that they have signed Billy Twelvetrees, the 2013 British and Irish Lions tourist, as player-coach.
The midfielder, who won 22 England caps and played for the Lions’ midweek side following a mid-tour call-up 12 years ago in Australia, retired from playing at the end of the 2023/24 season.
He wound down at second-tier Ealing Trailfinders following a stellar top-flight career with Gloucester and Leicester, and spent last season coaching at Hartpury in the Championship. However, he has now decided to come out of retirement at the age of 36 to help the Warriors find their feet in the newly rebranded Champ Rugby.
Worcester comeback
It was three years ago when Worcester financially collapsed and they haven’t played a match since the September 2022 Premiership win over Newcastle. However, having secured permission to return to play in the 2025/26 Championship, their rebirth will happen with Twelvetrees assisting head coach Matt Everard on and off the pitch.
A social media message on the Worcester X account read: “We are delighted to announce that Billy Twelvetrees has joined Warriors as a player-coach. A calm leader, respected across the game, Billy will play a key role in shaping our squad while remaining a powerful presence on the pitch.”
“A fantastic opportunity…”
Twelvetrees said: “Joining Worcester as a player-coach is a fantastic opportunity. I’m excited to contribute both on and off the field, helping to develop talent and bring real energy to the squad. It’s a challenge I’m ready for, and I can’t wait to get started.”
Everard added: “Billy is one of those special people that after spending just a short amount of time with you never forget. Kind, incredibly hard-working and always has such a positive impact on people. He is someone I feel very grateful to be working with every day and I look forward to welcoming him, Georgie and their brilliant family to Sixways.”
