Worcester Warriors have appointed international referee Hugh Watkins as their new consultant.

Watkins, who has taken charge of five Test matches in his successful career, will fill a new position created at the Guinness Premiership club.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock revealed Watkins would assist in reviewing the team's performances.

He said: "We will need to put in a huge amount of work to make sure that we are disciplined at all times."

Ruddock continued: "Hugh will work with the players and coaches at the club in order for us to hit our targets in this crucial area.

"We want to be on the front foot in terms of our preparation for the season. Having Hugh with Warriors to assist us in that process for every match will be very extremely productive."

Watkins is looking forward to working with Ruddock again after being with him in the Wales set-up in the past.

"It's a great challenge for me to work with the Warriors and look at individual performances and team discipline in terms of areas such as the penalty count."