WORCESTER Warriors can be “competitive” in the transfer market, insists head coach Carl Hogg.

But the former Scotland international believes Warriors must follow the model created by Exeter Chiefs, last season’s Aviva Premiership finalists.

Warriors experienced the strength of Exeter at close quarters last Saturday when they were thumped 57-22 at Sandy Park.

Hogg is trying to bolster his squad for next season and is in talks with, among others, centre Wynand Olivier.

Leicester Tigers fly-half Owen Williams is also rumoured to be on Warriors’ hit-list for next term.

“We can go into the market and be competitive,” said Hogg, who has been given sole leadership of Warriors’ rugby department.

“We need to ensure we follow the likes of an Exeter model and get ourselves credible in the league and all of a sudden you start getting people who want to sign for Worcester Warriors."

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.

Second-bottom Warriors face a tough test this weekend when they host West Midlands rivals Wasps on Sunday (3pm).

Coventry-based Wasps are second in the table and romped to a 54-35 Premiership victory at Sixways last season.

Hogg said: “I think we have got a fantastic atmosphere around the group, a great culture, a real work ethic and togetherness.

“It’s about converting the tight margins like the draws against Gloucester and Sale and all of sudden you are sitting in mid-table.

"The challenge for us is taking these tight margins and then pushing them in our favour.”

Warriors will be without centres Ryan Mills (banned) and Ben Te’o (England duty) but wing Cooper Vuna is expected to be back after helping Tonga to victory in Italy last weekend.

Canadian international fly-half Connor Braid is expected to be named in Warriors’ squad for the first time after signing for the club until the end of the campaign.

Braid was on Warriors’ radar about 12 months ago after Hogg received a call from Greog Townsend, the head coach of Glasgow Warriors.

“I think he’s (Braid) a very solid all-round player and Gregor spoke very highly of him as a person, which is key for us at Worcester,” said Hogg.

Wing Tom Biggs and flanker Sam Lewis made their first Premiership appearances after coming on as replacements at Sandy Park.

Full-back Auguy Slowik and South African lock Wilhelm van der Sluys are also fitting in well, according to Hogg.

The duo played for Worcester Cavaliers in their win at Oxford University along with Ben Howard, who has retuned to fitness after an ankle operation in the summer.

“Slowik looked sharp when he played for the Cavaliers and he’s one we have to get more rugby for,” added Hogg.

“He gives us a level of competition across the back three.

“He gives us something different. He’s very sharp and very quick on his feet and can beat first defenders so it’s great to have him on board.

“Van der Sluys also played very well upfront for the Cavaliers.

“Ben (Howard) was very good –  it wasn’t a classic but he showed some glimpses of the talent he’s got."