DIRECTOR of rugby Gary Gold expects to be involved in “communications” about player recruitment at Worcester Warriors for next season.

Warriors will be having a “recruitment meeting” at the end of this week and discussions are likely to centre on possible new and existing players.

But the former South Africa assistant coach is keen to focus his energy on the current playing group at Sixways in their bid for Aviva Premiership survival.

Gold arrived at Warriors at the end of last month is initially contracted to the club until the end of this campaign.

Warriors have opened up a five-point cushion over basement boys Bristol, who they meet at Sixways on March 5 (3pm), after an impressive 24-18 victory against reigning champions Saracens last weekend.

They now face a stern challenge against visiting Exeter Chiefs on Saturday (3pm) who battered Warriors 57-22 at Sandy Park in November.

“I am sure I will be involved in communications,” said Gold, who hasn't yet been involved in any player recruitment talks for next season.

“I know we’ve got a recruitment meeting at the end of this week and some positions and discussions will take place.

“But here and now I am not that hands-on involved in that (next season) and I would rather focus on the guys here at the moment because of what will happen is going to affect on what happens next year.”

Former Saracens chief executive Edwards Griffiths has joined Gold as part of a “two-man team” and is working in the club’s rugby department.

Jan McGinity is the head of rugby recruitment at Warriors and part of the club’s senior management team.

Warriors are desperate to remain in the top tier, particularly with England centre Ben Te’o and South African scrum-half Francois Hougaard under contract for next season.

However, the future is uncertain for established names such as Wynand Olivier and Donncha O’Callaghan who are out of contract in the summer.

Chief executive Jim O’Toole says the Bristol showdown is an “important match” for Warriors but work is already under way for next season.

“We have already signed off next season’s shirts and there will be a season-ticket campaign which we are looking at at the moment,” said O’Toole.

“The fixture against Bristol is an important match and an important event for us a business  but it does not all hinge on one game.

“If you look at our fixture list, we have Bath and Leicester Tigers coming to Sixways. They are good games but we need support from the fans.”