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.