Sixways stalwart Kai Horstmann, whose Worcester career ends with the final match of the season at Northampton next week, has challenged the men he leaves behind to become an established Premiership force.

To do that, the 30-year-old says, Warriors must become more consistent and look to string positive results together rather than springing the sporadic surprises that have been their modus operandi since they first reached the top flight in 2004.

After arriving at the club a year later Horstmann has been a key player and has made more than 170 appearances, captaining the side as recently as last weekend.

But he is one of several older players viewed as surplus to requirements by Richard Hill, others include Dale Rasmussen and Chris Fortey, as the head coach works to build a team capable of playing more expansively and – in theory, moving away from the lower reaches of the table.

And back-rower Horstmann shares that aim: “The position we are in does not really highlight the progress we have made,” he insisted.

“It is our first year back in the Premiership and it’s not been a bad effort at all.

“The biggest challenge will be kicking on next year. You look across that squad and the calibre of player is pretty impressive but it’s not about pulling out one-off games, it is about getting more consistency into our performances.