RETIRING centre Wynand Olivier could play a key role in Worcester Warriors’ fight for survival before hanging up his boots this summer.

The former South Africa international has made more than 50 appearances in four seasons at Sixways but has been a peripheral figure this term, featuring just seven times.

Having slipped down the pecking order, Olivier has been a regular for Worcester Cavaliers as he touched down in Monday’s Premiership Shield defeat at Newcastle Falcons.

However this might not be the 35-year-old’s final outing in blue and gold as second-from-bottom Warriors head into their last three Gallagher Premiership fixtures decimated by injuries at centre.

Ryan Mills (shoulder) and Will Butler (arm) have joined Ollie Lawrence (ankle) and Ashley Beck (leg) on the casualty list and will not play again this season.

While Francois Venter and Ben Te’o are set to combine in midfield for Sunday’s home clash with Gloucester (3pm), director of rugby Alan Solomons says he feels “fortunate” to be able to turn to Olivier.

“You must remember that Jono (Lance) has played quite a lot at 12 and Wynand can still play! Don’t worry about that,” Solomons said.

“Wynand hasn’t featured that much but Ollie has been given opportunities and done really well.

“We have had Francois and Millsy in there and when available and not playing test matches Ben has played for us too.

“We lost Ashley for the rest of the season and we have got two young academy boys coming up in Ollie and Will so we have had some real quality in the midfield.”

Olivier’s last match for the first-team came in early February when he started in the Premiership Cup semi-final defeat to Saracens.

“We are fortunate to have Wynand,” Solomons said.

“If we need him he is there and ready as he has been playing.

“What has really impressed me is that this is a guy that has won a World Cup and goes out for a Cavaliers game and gives it absolutely everything.

“He assists the younger players and is just a class individual.”

Warriors who are seven points clear of bottom club Newcastle Falcons could also be boosted by the return of number eight Gerrit-Jan van Velze and lock Michael Fatialofa for their showdown with third-placed Gloucester.

Solomons felt the battle to avoid the drop “still had some way to go” and reckoned his side faced a “massive challenge” against the Cherry and Whites.

“I think they are looking at getting a home (play-off) semi-final and possibly catch Saracens,” Solomons said.

“They are a quality team with good players right across the board and there will be no lack of motivation.

"But if we can perform really well and replicate that performance we had against Sale then anything is possible.”