HIGHLY-rated coach Sam Vesty could remain at Worcester Warriors next season after Shane Howarth left the club.

Vesty has been linked with a top role in the academy at Leicester Tigers’ but Howarth’s exit could open up a first team coaching opportunity for him at Sixways.

Vesty is Worcester’s academy transition coach and has led the Cavaliers to the Aviva A-League final and the semi-finals of the British and Irish Cup this term.

The surprise departure of backs coach Howarth by ‘mutual consent’ was announced on Monday night and ended the former international’s 18-month link with Sixways.

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “We would like to thank Shane for his contribution in developing our back play during these transitional years.

“He has played an integral part of what we are building here at Worcester and I will always be grateful for his support during his time at the club.”

Howarth said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Worcester and will look back upon it with fond memories.”

Howarth, a full-back for Sale and Newport during his playing days, helped to initiate an exciting style of rugby at Sixways.

He was one the first appointments made by Ryan, who took charge at Worcester in June 2013.

The former New Zealand and Wales full-back joined Warriors from Wasps after his family had failed to settle in London.

Wasps have since established a new base at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry and are seeking an experienced replacement for backs coach Stephen Jones.

But a Wasps spokesman said there was no truth in speculation linking Howarth with a role in Dai Young’s backroom staff.

Howarth, who won four caps for New Zealand in 1994, made big headlines in the late 1990s.

The former All Black was allowed to represent Wales, winning 19 caps, before it emerged that he had no Welsh qualification.