Worcester Warriors have appointed former Bristol coach and England scrum-half Richard Hill as their head coach.
The 49-year-old has left French side Chalon-sur-Saone and has signed a two-year contract at Sixways.
The experienced former Bath and England international scrum-half is renowned for the development of a winning culture both on and off the field.
His appointment followed an internal review conducted by Chairman, Cecil Duckworth, and an independent external review by Ian Bell, a respected rugby business consultant who was in turn supported by Dean Richards.
For the avoidance of doubt, and in keeping with the values of Worcester Warriors, Dean Richards' role in the review was cleared with the RFU.
Hill, who played 29 times for England, spent six highly successful years at Bristol where he guided them to promotion out of the second tier of English rugby and into to the Guinness Premiership in 2005.
The 49-year-old's outstanding work at the Memorial Stadium saw him lead Bristol to a best-ever third place in 2006/2007 and Heineken Cup rugby. The following season the club achieved a memorable victory over French champions Stade Francais on home soil.
Hill also previously coached at Gloucester, Newport and Harlequins and has spells as Head Coach of England Students and backs coach at Ebbw Vale.
Cecil Duckworth, Chairman of Worcester Warriors revealed "Richard (Hill) has a proven track record of winning the Championship and taking a side into the Premiership and then on to the Heineken Cup in quick succession. He also has a strong belief in developing the right culture off the pitch that will benefit our group of players.
This is exactly what we need at this point in time as we embark on our next journey with an immediate aim of returning to the elite. I am confident that Richard will be successful and I will ensure that he receives all the support that he requires."
The Birmingham-born coach has spent the last year working with ambitious French side Chalon-sur-Saône and is eager to start his new career at Warriors and return to the English game.
"This was an opportunity that I could not afford to let go" commented Hill. "Everyone knows what a fantastic set up the Warriors have. The Chairman is very ambitious and he has every right to demand success on the pitch after his financial commitment to the Club.
"The facilities are as good as any in the country and the supporters deserve success. For some reason, the performances on the pitch have not been what were expected but I am excited by the challenge of taking the Warriors through the Championship and onto further success."
"I have had a very successful and enjoyable time at Chalon-sur-Saone but it is the right time to come back to England. My family are still here and this represents the challenge and opportunity that I have been waiting for.
" I feel privileged that the Chairman has asked me to come to Worcester Warriors and I intend to do my very best to make this club the successful outfit that it should be. We will respect every side in the Championship and prepare ourselves for a long and hard season but ultimately it will put us in a good position to succeed."
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