Worcester bring in Watkins to advise on ELV's

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock revealed Watkins would assist in reviewing the team's performances and deliver practical training sessions to make sure every player is fully conversed with the laws of the game.

Watkins will also deliver extensive presentations on the new ELVs and become the fourth official at Warriors on matchdays during the 2008/09 season.

"We're very pleased that Hugh has accepted this important role," said Ruddock. "He joins us with a huge amount of experience and will be here for contact sessions to help us with our preparation and understanding of the laws at all times, particularly in light of the new challenges the ELVs will present.

"We will need to put in a huge amount of work to make sure that we are disciplined at all times and Hugh will work with the players and coaches at the Club in order for us to hit our targets in this crucial area.

Watkins has taken charge of over 40 top European matches, including being touch judge for the 2008 Heineken Cup final and said:

Hugh Watkins added: "I am really pleased to be given the chance to work with Mike Ruddock having worked 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.

"I will also be delivering sessions for the players and looking at the challenge of the new ELVs and getting them up to speed as quickly as possible."