DIRECTOR of rugby Dean Ryan says departing Worcester Warriors scrum-half Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier has been “a victim of opportunity versus progress” at Sixways.

The 23-year-old captained Worcester Cavaliers to a runners-up spot in the Aviva A-League last term and then led Warriors to glory in the British and Irish Cup.

But the popular Bruzulier has not featured for Warriors in the Aviva Premiership this term and has now signed for French minnows Nevers, a club Ryan admits he’s never heard of.

“JB (Bruzulier) had a pretty fruitful year last year and a lot of game-time but obviously the step up into the Premiership has led us to move into Francois (Hougaard) and people like that,” said Ryan.

“I think he (Bruzulier) sees opportunities elsewhere so we wish him luck.”

The Welsh-born number nine came to Warriors' rescue 13 months ago, shining in the Championship play-off final against Bristol after Jonny Arr was suspended and Charlie Mulchrone was ruled out with a broken foot.

He joined French Top 14 outfit Clermont Auvergne for a spell during last autumn's World Cup.

Ryan said: “I think he’s (Bruzulier) a victim of opportunity versus progress.

“There’s always a point where opportunity doesn’t stay open for ever and I think there’s a balancing act between making progress and bringing in quality and things like that.

“Clearly a door has closed by the success we’ve had with bringing in Francois so people are going to look for opportunities elsewhere.

“I have no idea of where the club is. I have never heard of it. He’s free to move wherever he wants to."

Bruzulier has just got engaged to partner Laura Halfpenny and took to Twitter to thank Warriors’ supporters for their backing over the past two years.

“I just wanted to say a massive thank you for all the support over the last two years at Worcester Warriors,” said Bruzulier.

“It has been an amazing experience and I am very proud of what we achieved in those two years.”

Speaking about his move to France this summer, Bruzulier said: “It’s a great opportunity for me and my family to move to France to a very ambitious club with a long project in place.

“As rugby players, we play the sport to play week in week out and this was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. I have met some awesome people throughout this journey with Worcester.”