SAMOAN international wing Ed Fidow has been confirmed as Worcester Warriors’ fifth new face for next season as the Sixways side prepare to say goodbye to Bryce Heem.
Fidow, 25, will join Warriors from French Pro D2 club Provence during the summer on a two-year contract with his arrival coinciding with the departure of Heem, who has confirmed he will not be signing an extension to his contract which expires at the end of the season.
Fidow has scored eight tries in seven international appearances including a hat-trick in a Rugby World Cup qualifier against Germany in Apia last June having first made his mark on the international Sevens circuit.
Fidow previously played for Brisbane City in Australia’s National Club Championship and for Bordeaux-Begles in France’s Top 14 competition and is relishing the prospect of playing in the Gallagher Premiership for the first time.
‘’I am delighted to be joining Worcester Warriors. The opportunity to test myself against the very best in England was too good to turn down,” Fidow said.
“I would like to thank Alan Solomons and his coaching team for giving me the opportunity to join such a historic club. I will be working very hard to help my new team-mates and to show the Warriors supporters my best rugby,” he added.
Fidow’s arrival date at Sixways has yet to be confirmed but is subject to his international commitments with Samoa.
Warriors chief Solomons said: “Ed is a terrific wing, who has represented Samoa at both sevens and 15s. He is a real X-Factor player with pace to burn and will be a huge asset for us as we go forward.
“I have no doubt he will make his mark here at Sixways and our supporters are in for a real treat.”
Fidow will join fellow wing Melani Nanai, who has been recruited from Super Rugby side Blues, Leicester Tigers lock Graham Kitchener, Northland scrum-half Jono Kitto and Connacht tighthead prop Conor Carey as the new faces in Warriors’ squad next season.
Fidow’s recruitment will help to counter-balance the loss of Heem who has opted to pursue his career outside of the Gallagher Premiership.
Since he arrived in England from Waikato Chiefs three years ago, Heem has become Warriors’ leading Premiership try-scorer and a firm favourite with the Sixways crowd.
“Bryce has reached the point in his career where he has decided that he wants a different experience,” Solomons said.
“We have tried our best to persuade him otherwise, but, unfortunately to no avail. He is a terrific player and a fantastic bloke who will be sorely missed.
“Whilst we are really sorry to see him go we wish him all the very best. Bryce will always be welcome back at Sixways,” he added.
Heem has scored 30 tries in 66 appearances for Warriors in all competitions including six in the Premiership this season.