WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan has raided his former club with the double capture of Matt Cox and Ryan Mills from Gloucester.
The duo will arrive at Sixways from Kingsholm in the summer as Warriors continue to build their squad for next season.
Flanker Cox will be familiar to Warriors supporters having graduated from the club’s academy in 2007 before spending three years as a first-team player.
The 25-year-old, who has represented England at u18, u19 and u20 levels, moved to Gloucester in 2010 and has gone on to make 58 appearances for the Cherry and Whites.
Cox said: “When Dean approached me and told me about his plans for my hometown club, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of.
“I’ve worked closely with Carl at Gloucester and with those two at the helm, I believe the club will be successful in the future.
“With the likes of Chris Pennell and Alex Grove committing to the club, it is clear to see how much potential there is.”
The Redditch-born forward will be joined at Warriors by centre Mills, who has scored 35 points in 20 games for Nigel Davies’ side since graduating from Hartpury College.
The 21-year-old, who can also operate at fly half, was part of the u20 Junior World Cup and Six Nations squads in 2011 and in 2012 when he helped his country to Grand Slam success.
Mills said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Gloucester. It’s been unfortunate, however, that I haven’t played as much as I would have liked due to a number of injuries.
“The opportunity to join Worcester was one I was keen to take. I am extremely excited to link-up with Dean Ryan and Carl Hogg and can’t wait to join the club on their journey ahead.”
Director of rugby Ryan added: “It is an extremely positive development for the club to secure the services of in-demand players such as Matt and Ryan who have made the choice to join us at Sixways.”