LONG-serving scrum-half Jonny Arr believes Worcester Warriors are ‘like a new club’ after a summer of wholesale changes.

Following relegation from the Aviva Premiership last term, director of rugby Dean Ryan and his senior management team have overseen a root and branch review of all aspects of the Sixways club.

Not only have there been swingeing changes on the playing staff with around 20 coming and going, but Warriors high performance director Nick Johnston has been busy developing the backroom staff.

All manner of coaches, analysts, nutritionists and even soft tissue therapists have been recruited as Ryan looks to cover every base ahead of a promotion tilt in the Greene King IPA Championship.

Arr, who has made 146 appearances for the club, is now the only player to have graduated all the way through from the mini-junior section following the recent departure of his long-time team-mate Jake Abbott.

The former Royal Grammar School Worcester pupil said: “Everyone seems to be settling in very well and a lot of talented players have arrived at the club. That means we have a very strong squad going forward.

“The investment in the backroom staff over the summer highlights the professionalism this club now exhibits.

“There are now experts in so many key areas and that will aid the players this season and allow us to gain that crucial advantage.

“It’s a new era at this club, we have a fantastic set-up behind the scenes and everyone is looking to move forward together.”

Over his career, Johnston has forged a reputation as a fearsome task-master, particularly during pre-season.

Arr admitted: “It’s been a tough few weeks since we returned to training, but we are laying the foundations for the challenge ahead.

“We will have undergone the ideal preparation when the season begins in September.”