TALENTED Australian fly half Sam Windsor has been handed the chance to earn a permanent deal at Worcester Warriors after securing a trial at Sixways.
The 27-year-old, who has a UK passport through his Irish parents, has left New South Wales Country Eagles to take up the opportunity at Warriors.
Bungendore-born Windsor last played in England in 2012 when he spent two seasons at National One side Blackheath before having a short spell at Leinster a year later.
His arrival comes after promising stand off Tiff Eden underwent an operation to repair a torn tendon in his hand, which is likely to rule him out until February.
Director of rugby Dean Ryan said it was unfortunate to lose Eden, who has made seven appearances for Warriors this season. But he insisted his injury has now given Windsor the chance to stake his claim as he is expected to make his debut for Worcester Cavaliers on Monday night when they take on Bristol United.
“Tiff has had an operation as he has ripped a tendon so his finger has dropped,” Ryan said. “But we have got a young lad here on trial called Sam Windsor who will play on Monday night.
“He has come over to see if he can take his opportunity and I am delighted to have him here as he is a good footballer. He spent a little bit of time with Leinster and has been around the club scene in Sydney, so this is a real chance for him.
“Everybody who we have brought on trial, like Dean Hammond, know that if they go well here they will have a really good chance, so we are quite excited to see how Sam goes.
“We also need to create a buffer to make sure we are not using (Ignacio) Mieres, (Ryan) Lamb, and (Ryan) Mills all at the same time or else we will expose the front end of this group. It would be quite a tall order if we are running out of tens across our January and February fixtures.”