Two more Worcester players find new clubs, including British Lion
Rugby NewsFriday, 07 October 2022 at 08:37
Ulster have won the race to sign Scotland international prop Rory Sutherland following his departure from doomed Worcester Warriors.
The entire clubs squad were made free agents on Wednesday following the liquidation of the subsidiary company that held all the player contracts. HMRC had been pursuing Worcester, who are suspended from all competitions, for unpaid tax of around £6m.
The 2021 British & Irish Lions as been linked with a variety of potential moves ranging from Glasgow to Cardiff in the URC while there was also thought to be significant interest from Bath in the Premiership and Lyon in the Top 14.
Former Ireland hooker Bernard Jackman revealed on Thursday evening: “I understand that Ulster have signed former Worcester loosehead prop Rory Sutherland. Be a great addition to their squad and also lovely to see these players left high and dry get employment as quickly as possible.”
Meanwhile, Top 14 side Bordeaux have confirmed the signing of Italy international flanker Renato Giammarioli on a short term deal.
The 27-year-old, who only moved to Sixways from Zebre over the summer, was quickly snapped up despite not even making his Warriors debut due to injury.
Having played his junior rugby for Frascati, Giammarioli then played club rugby for Calvisano before joining Zebre.
He played for Italy Under-20s in 2014 and 2015 and then graduated to Italy’s Emerging Players squad before becoming a senior international.
They became the eighth and ninth Warriors players to confirm new clubs.
WORCESTER PLAYERS NEW CLUBS:
#1. Ollie Lawrence to Bath
With a high number of injuries to ball carriers and players in key positions, England centre Lawrence has joined the Blue, Black and White as short term injury dispensation cover.
The 23-year-old has played for his country on seven occasions, scoring his first international try last summer against USA. He was also part of Worcester’s first ever top-flight trophy win in 2021/22.
#2. Duhan van der Merwe to Edinburgh
The Scottish club have announced the British & Irish Lions and Scotland star winger Duhan van der Merwe is coming back to the capital on a long-term deal, subject to visa, medical and regulatory clearances.
The 6ft 4in, 105kg strike-runner scored 32 tries in 67 appearances for Edinburgh after joining from Montpellier in 2017 – his scintillating form propelling him into the international spotlight after qualifying for Scotland on residency grounds.
#3. Ted Hill to Bath
A two-time England international with plenty of leadership experience, Hill is an all-action back row who can also play in the second row. He captained Worcester to Premiership Rugby Cup triumph last season and has featured 72 times in the Gallagher Premiership to date.
#4. Valeriy Morozov to Bath
In a short-term spell last term, loosehead prop Morozov made 13 appearances for Bath, providing great competition, and adding value in the front row with his excellent scrummaging.
#5. Fin Smith to Northampton Saints
The England U20 star is said to have completed a deal with Saints to secure his future. Sam Vesty is known to be a big admirer of his talent.
Fin Smith of Worcester Warriors during the Gallagher Premiership Rugby Match between Worcester Warriors and Bristol Bears at Sixways Stadium, Worcester on 18 February 2022. Photo: Tom Sandberg/PPAUK
#6. Fergus Lee-Warner to Bath
Australian Lee-Warner headed for Sixways in the summer after competing for Western Force in Super Rugby AU. At 6ft 4, the 28-year-old is second row adept at playing in the back row and topped the statistical charts for tackles and offloads after Round 2.
#7. Joe Batley to Bristol Bears
The 26-year-old, who can play in the second row and back row, returns to Ashton Gate after leaving Worcester Warriors.
Director of Rugby, Pat Lam, said: “It’s been a challenging time for Joe and his family, but we are pleased to be able to bring him back into a club and system he knows and enjoys.
“He’s grown and developed massively during his time in Worcester, and I know he will add real value to our team going forward.”
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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