FORMER Bath, London Irish and Newcastle Falcons chief Gary Gold is being linked with a move to Worcester Warriors.

The former South African national team assistant coach is to be brought into Sixways for the rest of the season as a consultant, according to a national report.

Cape Town-born Gold, 49, was latterly director of rugby at Durban-based Sharks but departed in the autumn after two years at the club.

Warriors, who are battling to stay in the Aviva Premiership, are believed to have made an official approach for former Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill to take up a role at Sixways next term.

Cockerill, who was axed by Tigers earlier this month, has joined former Bath chief Mike Ford at French giants Toulon as a consultant until the end of the season.

It is unclear how any short-term change at Worcester would impact on the roles of head coach Carl Hogg and coaching consultant Phil Davies.

Warriors' officials declined to comment on the speculation.

It is understood Warriors’ board thought changes were necessary following Worcester’s thumping 55-19 derby defeat against Gloucester at Kingsholm on January 7.

Warriors conceded seven tries in the heavy loss and are shipping an average of 40 points per away match in the top tier this term.

Supporters have welcomed the possible changes at Sixways with Warriors just one point and one place above basement boys Bristol with nine Premiership matches remaining.

Supporter AJ Bailey said: “Gary Gold is here until the end of the season.

“He is renowned for rejuvenating teams and almost kept up Newcastle Falcons a few seasons back. Top move by the club.”

Wil Hale said: “Decent appointment by Worcester if that's true about Gary Gold.”

And Tom Kirby said: “Fingers crossed the rumours are true. It would relieve pressure on Hoggy (Carl Hogg) and provide some experienced guidance.”

Hogg oversaw Warriors’ emphatic 57-14 European Challenge Cup victory against Russian minnows Enisei-STM on Saturday.

He is due to speak to the media at the club’s weekly conference on Monday afternoon.

Hogg, who took over first-team affairs following Dean Ryan’s unexpected departure as director of rugby in the summer, has not given any indications that a new coach is to be brought into the club.

Warriors return to Anglo-Welsh Cup duty against rivals Harlequins at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

Worcester do not resume their Premiership programme until they host reigning Premiership champions Saracens, also the European Champions Cup holders, on February 11 (3pm).