England back-row forward Matt Kvesic will re-join Warriors from Exeter Chiefs for the 2020/21 season on a long-term contract.
Kvesic, 28, made 63 appearances in his first spell at Sixways between 2009 and 2013 before spending four seasons with Gloucester.
He joined Exeter in 2017 but has followed the example of lock Graham Kitchener, who re-joined Warriors from Leicester Tigers last summer, of returning to Sixways where his career began.
“Obviously I’m very excited about heading back to Worcester, a club which showed faith in me and gave me an opportunity as a 14-year-old,” Kvesic said.
“For me, it’s my hometown club and it’s where everything in terms of senior rugby really started.
“Having the opportunity to go back, working under new coaches and with new team-mates, it’s something that really excites me and I’m looking forward to what the future holds and the challenges ahead.
“I know I am heading back to Worcester a much different and, hopefully, a much improved player from the one that left seven years ago.
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“It’s been a massive learning curve for me, full of ups and downs, but I’m determined to do my best for Worcester.
“I’m sad to be leaving Exeter and the Chiefs. It’s a great place to play rugby, fantastic place to live and, from the outset, the club and the supporters have been brilliant with me.
“My first year was a bit up and down, but last season was up there as one of my best years, if not my best. Having the chance to string a number of games together allowed me to find my form and play my best rugby.”
Ranked! The 5 worst Premiership signings of the 2019/20 season
Oh dear, oh dear. However much we will them on, sometimes deals just don’t turn out the way we hoped – or anything like it, as these disasters demonstrate.
5. Niki Goneva (Harlequins)
Described by the club as ‘a real coup’ and 'deadly finisher' when the winger joined from relegated Newcastle Falcons last summer. However, it appears that the 35-year-old, who has been a prolific try scorer throughout his career, is finally starting to slow down. He didn't cross the whitewash in his six Premiership outings for Quins this season.
4. Mark Wilson - Sale Sharks
This loan move seemed to make perfect sense, but due to a number of factors it hasn't really worked out. Undergoing knee surgery immediately following the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Sharks fans didn't see him debut until a 30 minute cameo against Saracens in early February. Recalled by Eddie Jones for the Six Nations after making just one start for Sale, his loan expires on June 30. After that date, he is due to return to Newcastle and can no longer play for Sale if the season were to be extended into July.
3. Owen Franks - Northampton Saints
One of only 20 players to win the Rugby World Cup twice, the prop arrived at Franklin's Gardens with a degree of expectation on his shoulders. It was hoped he'd bring his impressive strength and scrummaging technique to the pack at Franklin’s Gardens - but he's made just four starts. Saints fans will be hoping for much more in the second half of the season.
2. Tyrese Johnson-Fisher - Bristol Bears
More disappointing than bad. The speedster, who went viral as a youngster for his four tries at Twickenham in the NatWest Schools Cup, joined Bristol last summer but left the Premiership side with immediate effect in February. He's since revealed he's taken the decision to pursue other opportunities outside of professional rugby.
1. Sean O'Brien - London Irish
London Irish again wasting money. They parted with £450,000 per season to land the experienced Ireland international. Due to a hip injury, the back-rower made just one appearance in a 39-0 defeat against Sale Sharks before the league was suspended. Sometimes signing even the best players doesn't work out.
