DIRECTOR of rugby Alan Solomons reckons Worcester Warriors remain “blessed” with midfield options despite losing two experienced centres.

Ben Te’o, 32, and Wynand Olivier, 36, brought the curtain down on their Sixways careers when they played the full 80 minutes of Warriors’ thrilling season-ending victory over Saracens.

The duo, who have 56 international caps between them, departed with ex-South Africa star Olivier opting to hang up his boots and England ace Te’o ending his three-year stay at Warriors.

But instead of replacing the pair with big-name signings Solomons promoted “gifted” Ollie Lawrence, 19, and “fantastic” Will Butler, 21, from the academy.

And Solomons felt he was spoilt for choice with Ryan Mills, 27, and Francois Venter, 28, who were regulars in the number 12 and 13 jerseys respectively last season, at his disposal as well as Ashley Beck, 29, who is back in training after overcoming a broken leg.

“Of course Ben will be a loss but remember we are blessed in a sense that we still have Francois and Millsy, both of whom are really experienced,” Solomons said.

“Francois has played a number of tests for South Africa and Millsy is a really experienced operator who has always sat on the fringes of England selection.

“We have not seen much of Ashley because of the injury but he has played Test matches for Wales.

“We have got three experienced centres and then we have got Will and Ollie so I think we are in a good space as far as centres are concerned.”

Lawrence produced a series of impressive displays, notably in Warriors’ stunning triumph at Stade Francais last October before damaging his ankle in March.

Butler had an injury-hit campaign, making just five outings, but Solomons is a big admirer of the academy graduate, claiming “he does not make poor decisions”.

“They are terrific,” Solomons said.

“I thought Ollie broke through last season.

“When he played in that game against Stade, (ex-South Africa boss) Heyneke (Meyer) said to me ‘Who is that number 13?’ “He made a huge impact that day.

“They had two French centres playing in that game but Ollie was class.

“Ollie is gifted physically, there is no doubt about that. He is a big, strong boy and is very quick.

“Will has got time as he is a young boy and is still going to grow and get bigger which we will work on. But he is a superb footballer with a fantastic rugby brain.

“He does not make poor decisions and has got the skill to back it up.”

With Te’o and Olivier gone there is set to be more responsibility on the young shoulders of Lawrence and Butler next season.

But Solomons added: “I think it will be more of an opportunity than an onus on both Will and Ollie.

“There will be really strong competition and that is going to automatically assist in setting high standards.

“If you don’t meet those high standards you may find yourself not in the team.”