Solomons placed in temporary charge of Worcester

Alan Solomons will be in charge of Worcester Warriors on a temporary basis while director of rugby Gary Gold spends time in South Africa.

That was the news from the Premiership club's head coach Carl Hogg, who said Gold's extended period of absence was “planned”, and that was the reason Alan Solomons joined on a short-term basis to “fill the void”.

Gold has accepted an offer to become head coach of USA at the end of Worcester's 2017/18 campaign.

“Gary is due back on Monday, November 13 leading up to that Saints game,” Hogg told Worcester News.

“This was always planned that he would be away for the two European games, two Anglo-Welsh Cup matches and obviously this Harlequins game in the middle.

“That’s part and parcel of the reason to bring in Alan as director or rugby to support the coaching group.”

Hogg said Gold returned to South Africa due to family reasons.

“Gary is with his family in South Africa,” he added.

“That was something which was organised having agreed to stayed on after last season.

“He signed on for the year and part and parcel of that (decision) was that he would see his family back in Cape Town.”

Asked whether Solomons would stay or leave when Gold returned, Hogg replied: “There will be a period of time when they work hand in hand.

“I think Alan has given us an outside view of where we are.

“He has been very direct and there has been a bluntness about (what he has had to say), which has been very good.

“He’s got very clear views and has been able to share some of his experiences within the group.”