THE final three matches of Worcester Warriors’ season are “a very important part of the stepping stone into next year,” according to Sixways boss Dean Ryan.

Warriors have already secured their Aviva Premiership safety for next term but still have remaining fixtures against Coventry-based Wasps, Leicester Tigers and Saracens.

But Ryan insists Warriors won’t let the season fizzle out and two wins from their final three fixtures would match the club’s second-best points tally in a Premiership season.

Warriors are 10th in the table with 34 points and have only finished ninth or above on two occasions in the top tier.

“We have challenged the group to see how they wanted to finish the season and it’s overwhelming that they want to continue to compete with the three big sides coming up against us,” said Ryan.

“I think how we finish the season is a very important part of the stepping stone into the next one.

“It’s also a test of how we operate without a perceived carrot at the front — we could still move up to ninth.

“Whether we’ve consciously dealt with it or not, there’s always been the threat of what would happen if they didn’t perform and that can be a huge motivator.

“We don’t have that anymore.

“It’s important we continue to strive to get better against the best sides because we are going to meet them again next year and it’s important how we play against them.”

Warriors’ lack of depth in certain areas was exposed in their 50-12 defeat at high-flying Exeter Chiefs when they badly missed prop Nick Schonert and flanker Phil Dowson due to head injuries.

Ryan admits Warriors have picked a consistent “15 or 16 players” throughout the campaign.

“We have to get the group behind, irrespective of who it is, being able to step up,” said Ryan.

“We’ve always known that was our challenge hence why we have selected a very consistent group.

“There has always been opportunity and it’s important players take it.

“The players who have taken it have played at the highest level and it’s becoming clear some of those who can’t.

“We have got to keep challenging the group underneath to push hard on the one at the top otherwise we will lack the depth to compete.

“Sometimes, it’s a bit frustrating when you get confirmation of the same things but that is what developing people is all about. It’s not always a success story.”

Warriors host Wasps on Saturday at Sixways (3pm).