Worcester Warriors have today announced the signing of former England international lock Dean Schofield from French giants RC Toulon.
Destructive second row Schofield, who previously played for Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership, will make the move to Sixways from the start of the 2012/13 season.
Manchester-born Schofield, who is 6ft 6in tall and weighs 20 stone, has always been a favourite with fans throughout his career for his no-nonsense approach to the game and all-round commitment on the field.
The 33-year-old made his England debut against South Africa in the summer tour prior to the 2007 Rugby World Cup. He was also part of the England Saxons squad in the 2009 Churchill Cup, coming off the bench in the final.
Schofield already has a huge reputation in the English top-flight, having played for Sale Sharks between 2001 and 2010 and featuring in 162 games for the club. He was named Sale captain during the 2009/10 season.
Head Coach Richard Hill said: “We’re delighted to confirm that Dean will join us from next season. He will add more physical presence and power to our pack of forwards and we want to go for a big pack next season.
“Dean is a big man and a powerful man who is also quick and has superb skills. When he plays he stands out in the pack of forwards, he is all-action and brings his presence to the close quarters and is very influential.
“I have spoken to Joe El-Abd, who was my captain at Bristol and who now plays with him at Toulon, and he has said just how highly regarded Dean is in the Top 14 and how skillful a player he is too.
“Dean has a vast amount of Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup experience. With Craig Gillies, James Percival and Chris Jones also contracted for next season, we have players that really complement each other and it gives us strength in depth and huge competition next season.”
Forwards Coach Phil Davies also expressed his pleasure that Schofield would add his experience and ability to the playing squad at Warriors.
Davies added: “Dean has good leadership qualities and has played at Toulon which would have been a great experience alongside some world class players. Has real pedigree and a good team man who we know will add to the squad we are developing at Warriors.”
“Dean is a big man and a powerful man who is also quick and has superb skills. When he plays he stands out in the pack of forwards, he is all-action and brings his presence to the close quarters and is very influential…"