SOON to be director of rugby at Worcester Warriors, Steve Diamond, praised the Premiership Rugby Cup following his side's final win over London Irish on Tuesday.

Diamond won the last edition of the competition back in 2019 with Sale Sharks and made it two in a row earlier this week with his new club Worcester.

Warriors have used 55 players throughout their cup campaign, giving chances to younger players, as well as those who have not played much rugby.

But Diamond was keen to suggest that each of the 55 deserve massive credit.

"To a man, they have all played a part in the journey," he said.

"Hopefully we can get enough medals for them all to have, even the lads who played one game.

"But I think the competition has shown the brilliant support from Worcester and equally from Irish

"It also shows that this competition can be a spectacle and it's important that it is respected.

"I have always respected it and have now won it two times on the trot. They will be calling me Jose Mourinho next week!"

Warriors supporters have not had too much to cheer in recent years but having now won their first major trophy, those who turned up down in London on Tuesday night and those who watched from home will be hoping this is a sign of things to come.

Diamond has been in charge since January but from the end of the season, he will take over complete contol as director of rugby and he admits this trophy can be something to build on.

"Hopefully, this can be the catalyst," he added.

"When these ten new lads arrive in the summer, none of them superstars, just hard working men with 100 caps each for their previous clubs, all at the right age, they can come in and move us on and make us a hard side to beat.

"This is definitely something to build on as we go into the next season."

Warriors have one final game before their season is over.

They take on Bath at home in the finale of the Gallagher Premiership on Saturday June 4.

It will be the final game for the likes of Ethan Waller and Niall Annett and probably a fair few more as the new era under Diamond properly begins.