HEAD coach Carl Hogg has been given sole leadership of Worcester Warriors’ rugby department - just days after their 57-22 Aviva Premiership hiding at Exeter Chiefs.

The dual management role between Hogg and Nick Johnston has been broken up after a “review of rugby operations” at Sixways.

Chief executive Jim O’Toole believes Hogg’s “sole leadership” will give Worcester’s players “clarity” as they approach a crucial stage of the season.

Johnston will continue in his role as high performance director.

And O’Toole confirmed there are no plans to change the coaching staff or bring in a director of rugby

Warriors are second bottom in the table, with just one win so far this term, and host high-flying West Midlands rivals Wasps at Sixways on Sunday (3pm).

Wasps are second in the table with seven wins from nine league outings.

A Warriors club statement said: “We have decided that the dual management structure that we put in place at the beginning of this season is not providing us with sufficient focus to translate our potential to results on the pitch.

“Accordingly, we have streamlined our management structure with head coach Carl Hogg now having sole leadership of the department.”

Hogg and Johnston had been given joint responsibility of Worcester’s rugby department at the end of June after Dean Ryan’s surprise departure.

O’Toole said: “We had a dual leadership role which was unique in the Premiership and something we consciously tried after the departure of Dean in the summer.

“Carl and Nick are both highly regarded individuals in the business for whom we have an utmost respect.

“We have reviewed the position after five months and, from a player’s perspective, we believe sole leadership gives clarity.

“The role is player-led and one of our jobs is to make it as simple as possible for the players to understand.”

Warriors have been decimated by injuries to key players and boast the second worst defensive record in the Premiership.

Worcester are just six points better off than basement boys Bristol, whom they face in a vital relegation battle at Ashton Gate on Boxing Day.

O’Toole added:  “It’s very important for us, as a club, that we have good and clear leadership. Nick will continue to do exactly what he specialises in.”