Worcester Warriors can today confirm that Number Eight Adam Balding will leave the club with immediate effect.
The Coventry-born back row, who has made 28 appearances for the Warriors over two years, will now link up with his former club Newcastle Falcons until the end of the current season.
Balding played a big role during his first season at Sixways and featured in 22 games as Warriors won promotion back to the Aviva Premiership. The 32-year-old scored tries against Bristol Rugby, Leinster A and Nottingham Rugby.
However, the forward, who has represented England at Saxons and Sevens level, has suffered an injury hit second season and will now leave the Warriors in a bid to play more senior rugby.
Head Coach Richard Hill said: “Adam has had cruel luck with injuries this season and not spent the time on the field we all would have liked.
“Although he is back to push for selection we have seen Blair Cowan and Sam Betty come in and perform very well and now have Kai Horstmann and Neil Best coming back too into our selection plans.
“Adam needs to be on the field playing and we recognise that. He has been a valuable member of the squad and his attitude has been spot on. We are doing this to try and help him further his career, knowing we are unable to offer him an extension to his contract at the end of this season.”
Balding thanked Warriors for the opportunity to seek more rugby until the end of the season in the north east.
“I have really enjoyed my time at Warriors,” he said. “There are a special group of players at Sixways who I will miss immensely. The infrastructure at the club, since I’ve been there, has changed for the better and the club is on the front foot.
“I must thank everyone for what they have given me and the fans have also been nothing but totally supportive of me during my time at Warriors, with their backing and words of encouragement this season during my recovery.
“On a personal note, is has been a stop-start season for me with injuries. I had niggling injuries at the start of the season and then suffered the latest injury in Italy when I was really looking to kick on.
“The coaches at Worcester have always been very honest with me and appreciate that and the opportunity they have now given me to go and get game time at the end of the season.”
“Adam needs to be on the field playing and we recognise that. We are doing this to try and help him further his career, knowing we are unable to offer him an extension to his contract at the end of this season…"