Worcester scrum-half Matt Powell has confirmed he will retire from playing at the end of the season.
Worcester star to take up position as skills coach and attack analyst
Worcester scrum-half Matt Powell has confirmed he will retire from playing at the end of the season.
Powell has become a fan favourite with supporters at Sixways Stadium since his arrival at the Warriors in 2003.
The 30-year-old, who has played 150 senior games for the club, was part of the National Division One promotion winning team of 2003/04 and has been instrumental in Worcester's development in the top flight.
Currently enjoying his 11th top flight season, after previous spells with Saracens and Harlequins, Powell has also led the side in the absence of Pat Sanderson.
He is now set for an emotional final appearance at Sixways on Saturday, before he joins the backroom staff after being appointed skills coach and attack analyst from next season.
Qualities
Director of rugby Mike Ruddock said: "Matt Powell has been a great servant for Warriors and been a great ambassador since he joined in 2003.
"Since my time at the club I've encouraged my senior players to have a degree of input into the way we play and the tactics that we use for each game.
"Since we formed this tactical group, Matt Powell's rugby knowledge has come to the forefront of my attention to such a degree that I believe he will make a fantastic coach and over the last six months, as such, I have actively encouraged him to consider this route.
"My desire to create a backroom staff that includes ex-players and a team that includes a lot of home-grown talent through our academy means I have a desire to create the 'Worcester Way'. That includes promoting ex-players on to my backroom staff.
"Matt's role will be to assist with skills coaching, particularly with the number nines, but also with analysis of opposing teams with the directive to look at the way we attack each one of our opponents in the league and all other competitions."
Future
Powell admitted the time was right for him to hang up his boots and he was now looking forward to his next challenge at Sixways Stadium.
"I think I decided a few years ago that I didn't want to play into my late thirties, I wanted to stop when I was still playing to a decent standard of rugby rather than try carry on playing and drop down leagues," he said.
"It feels the right time. It has been a hard decision to make. I've been playing for 12 years and playing in the Guinness Premiership for 11 years. But I am ready for something a little different.
"There are young guys coming through and as a club moving forward I don't think I am the answer as first choice now. If I'm not first choice I would rather contribute in other ways rather than sit on the bench or delay someone's development, such as Jonny Arr.
"The last two years have been very exciting for me with Mike Ruddock coming in. He has a huge amount of ambition and all the players are so excited about where the club wants to go and the brand and style of rugby we are going for. Now I am looking forward to my next challenge with Warriors."
