Worcester Warriors News
Worcester stalwarts to leave club
ESPNscrum Staff
April 18, 2012
Worcester's Dale Rasmussen is tackled by Saracens' Michael Tagicakibau, Worcester v Saracens, Aviva Premiership, Sixways, Worcester, England, February 24, 2012
Dale Rasmussen will leave the Warriors at the end of the season © Getty Images
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The Worcester Warriors have announced that club stalwarts Kai Horstmann and Dale Rasmussen will leave the side at the end of the season.

Rasmussen has made 198 appearances for the side while back-row Horstmann has racked up 171. But with head coach Richard Hill looking to recruit fresh faces ahead of next season, he has made the decision to bid farewell to the pair.

And Hill admitted it was a tough decision but highlighted the youngsters coming through the system as reasons for optimism. "It has been two tough decisions," he said. "I have got to look to change the squad and bring my own players in, it takes three years before you can develop the squad you want.

"With Kai I have got to consider we have a number of young players like Jake Abbott, Sam Betty and Matt Kvesic and the likes of Blair Cowan and Semisi Taulava coming in. Kai has been a superb player for us, a superb leader.

"Dale is also a hard call. He has been outstanding for us and he always gives 100% and frightens other attacking players when he is running at them. I couldn't fault him at all, he is a great character who has captained the side when we have needed him.

"But I have got to look at Ravai Fatiaki, who we will give opportunities to, and it gives me an opportunity to bring in another centre who will be here for the next five to six years as we look to the future and who we can mould into how we want them to play.

"It is a tough decision as a coach to release two very good players. But I have got to be hard and look to the future of Worcester Warriors and the long-term product we put on the field."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.

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