FORMER Wales international hooker Mefin Davies is relishing the challenge ahead with Worcester Warriors.

The 41-year-old, who won 38 caps for his country, has moved to Sixways as an academy transition coach after holding roles as development coach at Ospreys and head coach at Swansea.

He will work with the academy forwards to aid their development, while assisting the club’s support of first-team forwards.

Davies – a 2005 Grand Slam-winner under ex-Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock – said: “There are already some hugely talented young players in the squad who need to be nurtured in the most productive way.

“The academy set-up at Warriors has undergone substantial changes during the last year and I am looking forward to continuing its development.

“I am also looking forward to working with first-team players ahead of what will be an exciting season, so it is a great time to be joining the club.”

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan added: “Mefin was part of successful sides throughout his playing career and understands the environment needed to help players realise their potential.

“We have placed a significant emphasis on our academy structure as we recognise the importance it will play in helping this club move forward.”

Mark Hewitt will oversee the academy set-up, which also includes assistant academy manager Chim Gale and transition coach Sam Vesty.

Elsewhere in the academy, Dan Lyne has been named as outreach co-ordinator and recruitment analyst, while Ryan Watkins will oversee the club’s AASE programme.

Meanwhile, Warriors’ 16-strong academy squad, which was announced last month, have returned to pre-season training.

The new-look squad includes the likes of Scotland under 20 international Jack Cosgrove, England under 18 international Andrew Boyce and Christian Scotland-Williamson, who all appeared for the first team during the last campaign.