SEVENS rugby internationals Richard de Carpentier and Josh Watkins have left Worcester Warriors and set their sights on competing at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

The pair have used their Twitter accounts to break the news of their departure from Sixways and to reveal their new challenges with England Sevens.

Warriors have not released a list of players who are leaving the club.

De Carpentier said: “I really enjoyed my time Worcester Warriors - a top couple of years with some top lads. I am now looking forward to a new challenge with England Rugby with the 7s.”

And Watkins Tweeted: “I have great memories of Worcester Warriors but a new challenge has arisen and I can't wait to get started with England Rugby 7s.”

De Carpentier joined Worcester in November 2012 and played 39 times for the club, including 23 appearances in Dean Ryan’s maiden season at Sixways.

The forward was limited to 11 first team appearances for Worcester last term, including 80 minutes in Warriors’ British and Irish Cup final victory at Doncaster Knights in April.

He is a current England Sevens international and captained Warriors in the Premiership Sevens Series in 2013.

Worcester born-and-bred Watkins signed for the Warriors academy in 2012 and played four times for the club’s first team last term.

The winger had a successful loan stint last season at Plymouth Albion.

Warriors will be marking their return to the top flight of English rugby in the Singha Premiership Rugby 7s Series in August.

Worcester have been drawn alongside Leicester Tigers, Newcastle Falcons and Sale Sharks in their pool at Kingston Park, Newcastle, on August 22.

Warriors chief executive Jim O'Toole said: "We're delighted to be back in the Premiership and can't wait to kick off with the 7s."

ThePremiership Rugby 7s Series will kick off at Gloucester on August 20 with the final eight days later at the Twickenham Stoop.

Group A: August 20 at Kingsholm: Gloucester, Bath, Exeter Chiefs, London Irish.

Group B: August 21: Ricoh Arena: Wasps, Harlequins, Northampton Saints, Saracens.

Group C: August 22: Kingston Park: Newcastle Falcons, Leicester Tigers, WORCESTER WARRIORS, Sale Sharks.