Worcester have ruled out the possibility of Dean Richards joining them as director of rugby - at least for the time being.

Richards: Not joining Worcester

Former Harlequins chief Richards has been the subject of speculation linking him with a role at Sixways now that he is approaching the end of a three-year ban for his role in the 'Bloodgate' scandal.

Richards was used by Warriors in a consultancy capacity two years ago following their relegation from the Premiership.

But the club's managing director, Charlie Little, has dismissed Richards joining as director of rugby alongside current head coach, Richard Hill.

Little told the Worcester News: "It is fair to say that we had a discussion with Dean but that emanated from the early conversations we had during the RFU approved external review of our relegation year.

"When he came in as a consultant, the idea of him becoming director of rugby here was, and still is, at some stage a possibility. We have a good relationship with him.

"At the moment, we have discussed it at board level and I am authorised to say Dean is not coming in as director of rugby.

"He would be one of a number of people on our list if things changed.

"Some people may question it but I have no issue with the past as he has done his time and don't see why he can't come back into rugby."