Worcester Warriors manager Charlie Little says there has been worldwide interest in their head coach vacancy.

Little says they have been delighted by the calibre of application they have received to replace Mike Ruddock.

"There are over 20 now and eight or nine of them have Premiership experience," Little told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"There are five or six others from outside and there is one world cup winner in there."

Little added: "There are eight or nine with international experience."

In addition, the Warriors have also received applications from the Championship and they now plan to shortlist by the end of the week.

Little insists high-profile signings such as Andy Goode intend to honour their contracts and will join the club despite their relegation from the Premiership.

"All the players that are coming to the club are still coming and we have no reason to doubt that," he said.

"We spoke to Andy Goode over the weekend when he spoke to the chairman.

"He is coming and is getting ready and gearing up for the challenge in the Championship," he added.

In terms of the financial side of the club Little admits it is vital the Warriors' enforced stay outside of the Premiership is as brief as possible.

"From a financial point of view, yes, it helps the business model," he said.

"The shareholding of Premier Rugby is still there albeit that it diminishes by a certain shareholding each year.

"But it is the parachute payment that we would lose."

Worcester Warriors will round off their Premiership programme at Sixways on Saturday, 8 May when they host Gloucester.

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