TRYING to make Worcester Warriors’ defence “rock solid” will be a main objective in pre-season, according to head coach Carl Hogg.

South African Omar Mouneimne has joined the coaching team at Sixways as the new defence and kicking strategy coach.

He has taken over the defensive duties from Simon Cross, who is now the first-team breakdown coach.

Warriors conceded 662 points from 22 Aviva Premiership matches last term, better only than relegated Bristol who shipped 707.

“Defensively, we’ve got to be robust,” said Hogg, who is already looking ahead to the next campaign.

“We have talked about our conditioning being at a higher intensity and working for shorter periods of time in training because the game is now so speed and power based.

“That’s something we will be doing in pre-season along with our defensive patterns to make sure we are rock solid.

“In union, you are operating for two-and-a-half to three minutes at high intense bursts in matches.

"We practised that during the week and it paid dividends.

“We are also playing in the right areas of the field and applying pressure on the opposition and that helps to conserve our energy.”

Hogg and director of rugby Gary Gold have confirmed the club will not be heading to Tignes in France this summer for a summer camp.

Last season Warriors went on the gruelling trip and suffered a host of injuries to high-profile players, including Will Spencer.

The lock is set to make his England debut against the Barbarians on Sunday.

Head of strength of conditioning Paddy Anson has already vowed to put together a tough summer programme for the squad.

And Jamie Bain, a strength and conditioning coach at Gloucester, is believed to be making the switch to Sixways.

Bain worked at Kingsholm with Anson, who left Gloucester last summer before taking over from Chris Hart at Worcester in January.

Hogg said: “I am committed to the club.

“I came to Worcester four years ago and it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

"We went down to the Championship in the first year and then we had to rebuild.

“The front end of last season was problematic and the injuries were well documented.

“But it was about everyone pulling together and committed to taking this club and forward up the league.

“Through adversity I thought the group showed huge character and strength.”

Hogg added: “In the early months of the season, young players like Jamie Shillcock, Jack Singleton and Perry Humphreys all looked comfortable and competent Premiership players.

“The young fellas have learned lessons and become a real asset for us.”