Warriors’ Wales international winger Josh Adams has confirmed that he will join Pro-14 side Cardiff Blues for the 2019/20 season.
Although Adams began his career in Wales in the Scarlets Academy he was released by them in 2015 and his career has blossomed since he arrived at Sixways as a member of the Three Pears Warriors Academy.
Adams made his Premiership debut in September 2016, signed his first senior contract with Warriors two months later and was then nominated for the Anglo-Welsh Cup Breakthrough Award.
The Hendy-raised Adams has now scored 34 tries in 59 first team appearances for Warriors a strike-rate that first won him Wales selection in last season’s Six Nations.
He scored his first international try on last summer’s tour of Argentina and won his 11th cap in last Saturday’s Grand Slam-clinching victory over Ireland in Cardiff.
Adams, 23, played a key part in Wales’ Guinness Six Nations Grand Slam by scoring tries in consecutive matches against Italy, England and Scotland and he also began their memorable fightback in the opener against France in Paris by setting up a try for scrum-half Tomos Williams.
With Welsh Rugby Union regulations stipulating that players who play outside Wales are only eligible to play Test rugby if they have played 60 international matches, Adams has decided to return to the principality when his Warriors contract expires at the end of the season.
Adams said: “It is great to be returning to Wales and I cannot wait to link up with Cardiff Blues next season.
“I’ve been really impressed with John Mulvihill’s vision for the future and the attacking brand of rugby the Blues play will really suit my game.
“It is a young and exciting squad, with a good blend of experience, which has a bright future and I’m looking forward to contributing towards that.
“I will always be grateful to Worcester Warriors for giving me the opportunity to become a professional player and I have loved my time at Sixways.
“But to play for Wales I need to play in Wales and Cardiff Blues is the best fit for me. I’m really looking forward to the next chapter at Cardiff Arms Park.”
Although Warriors are disappointed to lose Adams he will head to Cardiff with the club’s best wishes.
“ Josh is a brilliant player, an outstanding team man and a great bloke,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.
“We are really sorry to see him go, but understand that as a proud Welshman he wants to represent his country. We wish him all the very best and know that he will be giving everything right through to the end of the season.”