FORMER England defensive coach Phil Larder will remain with Worcester until the end of the season.

Larder, who today celebrates his 62nd birthday, has been working at Sixways on a part-time basis since November and has been instrumental in the club's revival over the last three months.

His involvement was up for review after Friday night's match with Newcastle but both he and director of rugby John Brain are eager to continue the arrangement.

"Phil is keen to stay until the end of the season," said Brain. "I don't anticipate that being a problem. I discussed it with him last week and he is keen to finish the job. It is very good news."

The man who was part of Clive Woodward's backroom staff when England won the World Cup in 2003 has proved a big hit with the players and his guidance has helped Worcester establish one of the meanest defences in the land.

The one aberration came in the first-half against Newcastle when the visitors ran in three simple tries.

"In spite of the way we defended in the first-half on Friday night, we have improved massively and our defence has been part of that improvement," said Brain.

Larder's influence has extended from the training pitch to the dressing room and his words of advice during the break on Friday clearly had an impact as the team stormed back to eventually win 23-21.

Hooker Chris Fortey suffered concussion in that game but, with Worcester not in action for the next two weekends, he is expected to be available by the time the club's Premiership campaign resumes at Bristol on April 7.

Brain has allowed Chris Horsman time off after his exertions for Wales in the Six Nations Championship but he believes the ankle injury which forced the prop to limp off in Saturday's win against England is not a major cause for concern.

"I think he just jarred that ankle," said Brain.

"It's an ongoing issue for Chris but it is not something that is going to keep him from playing."