SKIPPERING Worcester Warriors at Newcastle Falcons was “an honour” for versatile back Ryan Mills.

Despite the extra responsibility, the 24-year-old said his approach remained unchanged for Warriors’ penultimate Aviva Premiership of the campaign.

Mills took Warriors’ reins for the first time in a league match after experienced lock Donncha O’Callaghan was rested by director of rugby Gary Gold.

O’Callaghan, 38, has been Gold’s first-choice captain since the former South Africa assistant coach arrived at Sixways at the end of January.

The former Ireland and British and Irish Lions second row returned to take charge of on-field matters in Worcester’s final match against Leicester Tigers.

“Nothing really changes when I am captain,” said Mills.

“I talk the same whether I am captain or not captain.

“Whether Donncha is captain or whoever is captain, he will still talk to me if we are kicking for the corner or kicking at goal.

“That will still be a joint decision so not a lot really changes.

“It was an honour to be captain and lead the team out but not a lot changes from my perspective.”

Reflecting on the match, which Falcons won 16-14 after a late converted try, Mills felt Warriors must be more ruthless in attack.

“Newcastle didn’t get into our 22 for the first 30 minutes and we controlled the game and should have executed better,” said Mills.

“Had we scored three or four tries in the first 20 minutes, the game would have gone.

“We had great intensity and our defence was awesome and these are things we need if we want to climb up the table next season.

“We had three clear opportunities in the first 20 minutes and we didn’t score one of them and you end up getting a bit frustrated. It was definitely a missed opportunity.”

Mills bagged 99 points from 12 Premiership matches. He took over the fly-half duties from teenager Jamie Shillcock who underwent knee surgery after hurting his knee in January.

The former Gloucester player was pleased with his monster penalty from 10 metres inside his own half in Worcester’s home victory against Bath.

“There was a little bit of wind but normally my kicking range is around 55 metres,” said Mills.

“There was probably a five-metre wind which helped that kick.”

Mills revealed he enjoyed linking up with scrum-half Francois Hougaard, who is heading back to South Africa to battle for a place in the Springboks Test squad.

“It was great playing with Francois,” said Mills.

"He’s a fantastic player and it made my job relatively easy.”