Worcester Warriors are pleased to today (Tuesday) announce the signing of exciting Spanish international Oriol Ripol on a one-year deal.
Barcelona-born Ripol – regarded as the best Spanish rugby union player of modern times – will join the Warriors this summer having agreed a move to Sixways Stadium until at least 2011.
The Catalan flier, who can play on the wing, centre or at full back, started his English professional career at Rotherham Titans in 2001 where he finished top scorer in his first season to help the club claim the National Division One title.
The 34-year-old, who played in the 1999 Rugby World Cup, moved to Northampton Saints where he clocked up 15 tries in 41 appearances before a switch to Sale Sharks in 2005.
Ripol’s ruthless finishing skills saw him memorably score at Twickenham as Sale Sharks defeated Leicester Tigers in the Guinness Premiership final in 2006.
New Head Coach Richard Hill described Ripol as the ideal character to fit seamlessly into the Sixways dressing room and play a big role both on and off the field.
“I want the squad here to be full of talented players who really want to be pulling on the jersey for Warriors – Oriol is exactly that type of person,” said Hill.
“He will give absolutely everything he has for the Warriors and really wants to be here and to make an impact in the Championship.
“Oriol has great experience from his time in the top-flight and with Sale Sharks and is a proven finisher at the highest level. He has a great step, offers real pace and is always in the right place at the right time.
“He is a real quality addition to the squad who wants to be part of the club and has a fantastic attitude to making his mark and getting the Warriors promoted.”
Ripol, who comes from a strong rugby family with his father and two brothers also playing the sport, is determined to hit the floor running at Sixways.
“I am absolutely delighted to sign for Worcester,” said Ripol, who had scored 20 tries in 94 top-flight games in England. “It is a new challenge for me and one I simply cannot wait to start.
“I’m excited about the chance to work with Richard Hill, who I have heard so much about, and also play at a club with such great facilities and wonderful support.
“The Championship will be a very hard test and difficult. But I am sure that Worcester is building a squad to win promotion and I intend to play a big part in that bid.”