FORMER Australia star James O’Connor will not be coming to Worcester Warriors, insists director of rugby Gary Gold.

The former Bath and London Irish chief says the controversial Toulon player will not join while he’s in charge of rugby affairs at Sixways.

A national report claimed the fly-half was on the brink of signing for Warriors.

But Gold says “no conversation” has taken place with 26-year-old  O’Connor who was arrested along with former All Black Ali Williams in relation to an alleged drug offence outside a nightclub in Paris last month.

And Gold admits it’s “very dangerous” to bring in an experienced campaigner like O’Connor who would block a young player’s path.

“No conversation has ever taken place and nor will it while I am here,” said Gold, who arrived at Worcester in February.

“I don’t necessarily think that’s the type of player we need here or want here at the moment.

“One of the things I am really excited about Warriors going forward is the youngsters we’ve got – the likes of Josh Adams, Perry Humphreys and Dean Hammond.

“Bryce Heem is world-class already.

“I really enjoy the youngsters here and if they are good enough they are old enough.

“We want to give them a chance.”

O’Connor had a spell with London Irish between 2013 and 2014.

He won 44 Test caps for Australia but his career has been blighted by a number of off-field controversies.

“I have no issues with James personally but I don’t necessarily know for sure he would be that passionate about wanting to come to Warriors,” said Gold.

“I think Perry and Josh have done very well for us and Ben Howard has been very impressive from a training point of view.

“I think it’s very dangerous to bring in a slightly older campaigner and block the youngsters’ path when they have shown so much potential.”

Gold has achieved two wins from four Premiership matches since linking up with Warriors.

However, he was initially only contracted until the end of the campaign.

Warriors are seven points above the Aviva Premiership relegation rivals Bristol following their 41-24 victory earlier this month.

Worcester travel to table-topping Midlands rivals Wasps in their next top tier clash on March 26 (2.30pm).

Gold says Warriors’ players coming to the end of their current deals, such as Donncha O’Callaghan, Wynand Olivier and Ryan Mills, deserve to know where they stand.

“Between the four white lines we have a job to do and that is where the priority is but there is a lot of hard work (going on) behind the scenes at the moment,” said Gold.

“I asked for no other distractions before the last group of games so I could get to know the players better and have time to settle.

“But now is time to ask the question and players need to know where they stand and they deserve to know where they stand."

He added: “I am really confident it’s under control and we have a very good idea of what’s going to happen next year. Over the next couple of weeks I am sure there will clarity on this.”