FORMER back rower Kai Horstmann reckons Worcester Warriors probably should have stuck with the late John Brain as director of rugby during his time at Sixways.

Horstmann, 37, played for Warriors between 2005 and 2012 before joining Exeter Chiefs where he had six successful seasons working under long-serving boss Rob Baxter.

Speaking on the fifth episode of the Worcester Warriors Podcast Horstmann hails the work of Brain who passed away in 2012 and highlights Warriors’ win over Saracens on the final day of the 2006-07 season to secure Premiership survival as his fondest memory at the club.

But this victory was also Brain’s last game of his five-year reign at Warriors as he was sacked and replaced by ex-Wales head coach Mike Ruddock.

“In hindsight probably (they should have stuck with John Brain),” Horstman said.

“It is difficult to say as the powers that be make that decision above you.

“The wheels had probably been put in motion before we had achieved that (survival).

“But as a squad we felt that we were kind of pulling together and building something quite collective.

“During my time at Worcester there was a huge turnover of coaches and staff so it was very hard to get consistency and start building.

“People talk a lot about culture but there needs to be consistency in order for you to get that.”

This week’s instalment also sees Horstmann reflect on Alan Solomons’ side’s 6-5 victory at Sandy Park last season, discuss Exeter’s ambitions and look ahead to Saturday’s battle between his two former sides.

It is also available to download from SOUNDCLOUD and iTunes.

The first four episodes are available to download from iTunes or click the links below.

WORCESTER WARRIORS PODCAST: EPISODE ONE

WORCESTER WARRIORS PODCAST: EPISODE TWO

WORCESTER WARRIORS PODCAST: EPISODE THREE

WORCESTER WARRIORS PODCAST: EPISODE FOUR