WARRIORS director of rugby Alan Solomons remained tight lipped on the future of Jono Lance following a successful swoop for Billy Searle.

The Wasps fly-half will head to Worcester in the summer to vie for the number-10 jersey which Scotland international Duncan Weir currently makes his own.

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With Weir contracted until the summer of 2021 and Searle drafted in, inevitable questions about Lance’s future have followed with his deal set to expire.

Solomons declined to reveal whether talks had taken place with the Australian ace who has played two full Premiership matches this season alongside another 80 minutes across four stints as a replacement.

“Billy comes in as a fly-half but there is competition, which is what we want across the board,” said Solomons.

“I think it is good for us, it increases our strength in depth which is only a positive.”

Asked if he had spoken to Lance about his future, Solomons replied: “We haven’t finalised the composition of our squad.

"We have players that are flexible and can play in various positions – Shilly (fly-half Jamie Shillcock) played full-back against Saracens.

“Jono is a good bloke. He has played well for us and will continue to do so, I have no doubt.”

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Asked about the progress of talks with any other players whose contracts are due to finish, Solomons replied: “We will finalise the process, I would say during the month of February.

“I think it would be premature for me to comment at this point, the composition of our squad has not been finalised.”

Solomons did confirm this summer would see a smaller turnover of players in line with what many would have anticipated.

“I don’t think it is huge at this stage,” said Solomons on his recruitment plans.

“It has been largely (about) retention in this particular cycle and that’s how it does go, you have cycles where the emphasis is on retention rather than recruitment.

“I think that has been the story of this particular cycle and I think that is good. What is important is the young home-grown players and I can say with confidence that every one of our young players will be retained.”

Searle launched his career in the National Leagues for Launceston and Plymouth Albion before a two-year stint at Bristol where he played Premiership, Championship and European Challenge Cup rugby.

The summer of 2018 brought about a switch to Wasps only for a broken leg and dislocated ankle to stifle his progress.

He has made four appearances for the Coventry-based club to date, featuring at fly-half when Worcester lost 39-6 at the Ricoh Arena in the Premiership Rugby Cup in October.

“Billy is a very good, young English player is a key position,” said Solomons.

“He is pretty accomplished all round with a good boot – he is left-sided – kicking out of hand and for posts.

“He has the ability to take the ball to the line and be a threat to defences, really set the attack alight and he is certainly brave enough when it comes to defence.

“I think he will add a lot of value here at Sixways.”