ALAN Solomons' career today comes to an end as following the clash with Bath, the South African will retire from rugby after 20 years.

It started back home in South Africa as assistant coach of Western Province and has taken him to Edinburgh in Scotland, to Northern Ireland with Ulster and finally Sixways, Worcester.

Solomons' time with Warriors has not seen a wealth of trophies or particularly high league finishes but has seen him produce a team that now has the city of Worcester flowing through it.

During his time he has held onto what the academy has produced and has slowly but surely, brought them through the ranks and into the first team.

And as he passes the reins to Steve Diamond, his footprint on this club is there for all to see

"We have terrific young players," he said.

"You could have Kai Owen at loosehead with Lewis Holsey backing him up, Beck Cutting at hooker with Fin Theobald-Thomas backing him up.

"You have Justin Clegg and Andrew Kitchener at lock, you have Jack Forsythe who has been terrific this season, you have Ted Hill, Morgan Monks, Gareth Simpson, Ollie Wynn, Fin Smith, Seb Atkinson, Oli Morris, Ollie Lawrence, Alex Hearle, Noah Heward, James Shillcock.

"That fills me with such pride, that for me is everything."

"At Ulster, the core of the team was Ulster boys, everyone there knew them. Edinburgh was the same. We bought all those boys in, all came through the academy.

"You have to blend youth with experience but the essence of the team has to be your own, local guys.

"Guys that have played in the schools and the clubs in the area, and that's now what we have got. Our supporters and people on the outside can relate to this team now.

"New players and players from other places enrich the team but the core of the team has to come from Worcester.

"I love that. We had to blend these boys in to the side in the last few seasons but we did it and winning the Premiership Cup, that was so great to see us win that, thanks to all those Worcester boys."

He can do no more, however and now it is up to Diamond to push this group of Worcester boys on.

Diamond has himself reiterated his desire to build around what the club has produced and Solomons knows the club is in safe hands in that regard.

"I know Steve very well," he added.

"People think at sale, it was all about South African guys. No, have a look what he did with the young local boys there.

"Steve holds the same vision as me and that's why I'm so positive about this team going forward under him.

"All of our youngsters are here. Yes, they have to play well, it's a result driven business but they are here, they are motivated. It's their own home, everyone knows each other.

"I'm really optimistic and positive about the future."