Worcester target opts to join Super Rugby giants

• Tyler Ardron has joined New Zealand side Chiefs

• The 25-year-old scored seven tries in 64 appearances for Ospreys

A Canadian flanker believed to have been linked with a move to Worcester Warriors is instead joining Super Rugby giants the Chiefs.

Ospreys star Tyler Ardron is leaving the Liberty Stadium and heading to sunny New Zealand to join the Waikato-based two times Super Rugby champions.

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Ardron will play for Bay of Plenty in the Mitre 10 Cup ahead of linking up with the Chiefs for the 2018 season.

The 25-year-old has been with the Ospreys since joining from the Ontario Blues in 2013 and Worcester were understood to have been tracking him.

Ardron, a 6ft 5ins powerhouse, had caught the eye with his athleticism and his lineout ability. He can also cover the back five of the scrum.

Ardron has won 22 caps for Canada since his debut against the USA in June 2012 and was captain of his country for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.