DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons reckons Warriors "have the capability" to to back up a best finish since 2006 with even better next season.

Worcester ended 2019-20 in ninth place with 42 points, a highest league placing for more than a decade earned by breaking the 40-point barrier in the top tier for only the fourth time.

They even had a chance of qualifying for the Champions Cup next season but due to the cancellation of Gloucester's clash with Northampton, they missed out on points difference.

But while Solomons accepted the level of competition in rugby's elite European tournament would have been high, he suggested his side would have loved a crack at it.

"It is always great to play at the top level because top-flight competition aids development for everyone, especially the players," he said.

"I think the experience the young guys had in this period has been really beneficial for them and as a result the strength in depth has improved.

"That would have helped us, playing in the Champions Cup, and it would have been a great challenge for us."

With the new season arriving in just seven weeks and an incredibly demanding schedule ahead, Solomons warns those high levels must be maintained on and off the pitch if Warriors are to achieve that desired improvement on last term.

"I think the big thing for us is the way we prepare, it is critical and in particular the way we practice," he added.

"We have to keep everything at a high level to be able to compete on the pitch so we know that’s vital for us.

"The competition is no doubt very tough and you get tough games all season and we’re playing every weekend from the end of November until the end of March.

"The level of domestic competition is very high and I have said before, the Premiership is the best domestic competition in the world.

"We have to be at our best to achieve a higher finish but we have the capability to do that so that’s what we’re aiming for."