Dean Ryan excited by Derrick Appiah’s potential

Appiah is among nine new senior arrivals who will be heading to Sixways this summer to prepare for the club’s return to the Aviva Premiership.

Warriors’ supporters are familiar with the likes of Andy Short, who is returning to his Worcester roots, and Kiwi utility back Bryce Heem.

Appiah, who can play loosehead or tighthead, has featured for Mogliano in Italy’s National Championship and for Parma and Modena.

Ryan said: “Derrick is someone with enormous potential for a young man.

“He’s very early in his career but we think we have a decent professional environment and, when we get him into it, we will see what we can make of him.

“He’s been on the edge of some of the Zebre stuff and we have pounced early rather than wait. I would rather have people in our structures at such a young age.”

Appiah’s ultimate goal is to play international rugby for Italy and he’s hoping to develop as a player under Ryan’s guidance at Sixways.

Ryan said: “We were following him and think he’s got something.

“He played in Italy’s under-20s’ World Cup squad and his ball carrying was pretty phenomenal in a side that wasn’t particularly on the front foot.

“We think he has enough potential to come into this system.”

Ryan said Worcester’s scouts cast their net far and wide in the search for young talent.

“We watch all the tournaments and if we see potential, we follow it through,” said Ryan.

“It doesn’t go week to week. It goes in six months to 12 months exercises.

“The core of this squad will be English due to the financial compensation based around English players.

“We have jumped around for all sorts of players in the past that haven’t potentially been any better than good English players with an opportunity to play here.

“The culture and core of this group will always be based around the majority of English and that is what our priority is.

“But that doesn’t stop us from bringing in overseas players we think can add to it – it’s just making sure the balance is right. “