Warriors strengthen front row with double signing

Warriors are delighted to announce the signings of Leicester Tigers prop Ryan Bower and Gloucester Rugby hooker Dan George.

The duo will move to Sixways this summer, while current prop Rob O’Donnell has signed a new contract to extend his stay at the club.

Twenty-three-year-old loosehead Bower, who was included in England’s 2011 Junior World Championship squad, made his debut for Leicester in 2010 and has also enjoyed two loan spells at RFU Championship side Nottingham.

He said: “I am delighted to sign for Warriors and I look forward to the next stage of my career at Sixways.

“Dean’s vision is something that really appealed to me and I jumped at the chance to be part of it and play a role in the long-term success of the club.

“I have immensely enjoyed my time at Leicester and must thank Richard Cockerill and the rest of the backroom staff, who have helped me develop my game during my time at Welford Road.

“I would also like to thank all involved at Nottingham Rugby Club. I really appreciate the opportunity they gave me to play regular Championship rugby and develop as a young player. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with them and wish them all the best for the future.”

Twenty-seven-year-old George, who has also plied his trade with Llanelli Scarlets, Carmarthen Quins and London Welsh, represented Wales from Under 16 to Under 21 levels and captained the Under 19s during the IRB World Championships in South Africa in 2005.

He said: “I am looking forward to joining the Warriors in the summer. There are exciting times ahead for the club and I can't wait to be a part of it.

“Having met with Dean and Carl they have a very specific view in which direction they want the club to go in and under their guidance the future of Worcester rugby looks good.”

Twenty-eight-year-old O’Donnell, who signed from Rotherham Titans in 2012 following spells with Sale Sharks and Waterloo, has played 32 times for Warriors and has been a regular in the front row under Dean Ryan.

O’Donnell said: “I’ve enjoyed my two years at Sixways and I’m really pleased to sign a new contract.

“I love Worcester and have developed a close relationship with people around the city and my teammates so I’m delighted to be staying here.”

Warriors Director of Rugby Dean Ryan said: “I am pleased with how the forward pack is shaping up ahead of next season and the arrival of Ryan and Dan, who both received international recognition in the early part of their career, will see us strengthen our options further.

“Rob has made the most of the opportunities he has been presented with this season and he will continue to be an important part of the squad next season.”
 


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