Premiership: Nick Easter to join Worcester Warriors as forwards and defence coach

Easter, 43, who featured in 54 Tests for England and played in the Rugby World Cup final in 2007 has spent the last two seasons as defence coach with beleaguered Newcastle Falcons, following a stint with the Cell C Sharks in Durban in South Africa.

The Midlands-based club have endured a dismal season but, with former Sale Sharks director of rugby Diamond now in post, expectations are high for Warriors and the recruitment of Easter underlines their ambition in the Premiership.

Planet Rugby understands that Easter will replace the departing Jonny Bell and, in addition to his defence work, Easter will add the set-piece and forward coaching to his new job description.

A formal announcement is expected today around 3pm BST (2pm GMT).

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