Worcester Warriors have added yet more power to the pack ahead of the Championship challenge with the signing of former Ospreys hooker Ed Shervington.
The Newport-born front rower has signed a one-year deal to make the move to Sixways and will link up with his new team-mates for the first time next week.
A product of the Ospreys development system, Shervington made a total of 38 appearances for the Welsh giants since his debut in 2006 and scored one try against Benetton Treviso in the Heineken Cup.
The 25-year-old, who has been capped for Wales at Under-18, Under-19 and Under-21 level, is now being tipped by boss Richard Hill to make an impact at Warriors.
Hill said: “Ed is still a relatively young player for someone in the front row and he has had some fantastic experience at the Ospreys in recent years.
“I spoke to several people at the Ospreys and got very good reports about him. He has been battling with two international hookers in Wales so it has been difficult for him to play regularly, but he is keen to now take this chance.
“Ed is a very fast player and will be one of the quickest in our squad. He is very mobile and therefore suits the modern game as it speeds us.
“He has real potential and we have offered him a one-year contract and the opportunity to really shine in this set-up. That means we can take a really good look at him as a long term prospect.”
Shervington is relishing the chance to play in England and under the guidance of new coach Hill.
“It’s great to sign and I can’t wait to get started so it is straight into pre-season on Monday,” he said. “It’s a pretty quick turnaround, having only finished with Ospreys a few weeks back, but this is a fresh beginning and one I plan to take.
“I’m looking forward to playing in England and the challenge of the Championship. I’ve heard a lot of positive things about the set-up at Warriors and the club’s plans under Richard Hill.
“After four years with Ospreys it was the right time for a new start and I feel I can really contribute to Worcester and what the club wants to achieve.
“It will be tough to get a place, I know all about Aleki Lutui and Chris Fortey as I have watched them play for many years. They’re very experienced and great professionals so I plan to build up a good relationship with them and really push for a spot in the team.
Shervington also revealed he would know plenty of faces in the Sixways camp after a three-year spell at Hartpury College before his career took off in Wales.
“I know Callum Black well from my time at Hartpury and also Chris Derrick and Stuart Pickering in the backroom team. I also played under Andrew Stanley, who was Director of Rugby at the college when I was there, so it will be good to catch up with him and work with Stan once again.”