WARRIORS have unveiled their first new face for next season with the capture of fly-half Billy Searle from Wasps on a two-year contract.
Devonian Searle’s signature follows the re-signing of 14 members of the current squad on contract extensions.
The 23-year-old played National Leagues rugby for Launceston and Plymouth Albion before a two-year stint with Bristol where he played Premiership, Championship and European Challenge Cup rugby.
He joined Wasps in the summer of 2018 and, having recovered from broken leg and dislocated ankle which he sustained against Bristol last season, Searle is now relishing the prospect of joining Warriors.
“The opportunity to develop my game under the guidance of Alan Solomons, Jonathan Thomas, Matt Sherratt and the rest of the coaching team is extremely exciting,” he said.
“The talent coming through at Worcester makes for exciting times and I hope I can help the club to challenge in all competitions.
“The atmosphere at Worcester has always been one of the best in the Premiership, so to play in front of them on a regular basis will be a huge honour.
“I am now looking forward to finishing the season off strongly and teaming up with Worcester at the start of next season,” he added.
Searle previously worked with Thomas, who is re-joining Warriors as forwards coach, and Sherratt, who will be Warriors’ new attack and backs coach, at Bristol. Thomas will be returning to Sixways from Bristol Bears and Sherratt from Ospreys.
Warriors chief Solomons said: “Billy is an outstanding young English fly-half. He has an excellent skill set, the ability to manage a game effectively and he kicks really well, both for goal and out of hand.
“He is also a first-class bloke and a good team man. It is fantastic news for the club that he has decided to join us here at Sixways and I believe that he will play a huge role as we look to take the club forward.