WORCESTER Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan has spoken of his delight after winning the race to sign potent wing Sam Smith from Harlequins.
The 23-year-old will make the move to Sixways at the end of this season after five years at the Stoop where he helped Quins to the Aviva Premiership title in 2012 and the LV= Cup last year.
Smith has scored 25 tries in 69 games for the Londoners and Ryan revealed the former England U20s back, whose contract comes to an end in the summer, had attracted interest from other clubs.
The capture of Smith is likely to be a huge boost for Warriors as Ryan continues to put together his squad for next season.
“Sam fits the profile of the type of player we want to attract to Sixways to ensure we build a successful side,” Ryan said.
“He is young and hungry to succeed and will be an important part of the culture we are creating.
“He is someone who had a choice of where to play his rugby and I am delighted that he has decided to join us, especially as he complements our talented line of English backs.”
Smith, who has crossed the whitewash in the last two Premiership games for Quins, added: “I have really enjoyed my time at Harlequins, making this a tough decision, but when I spoke to Dean it was clear to me that I wanted to be a part of his vision at Worcester.
“The opportunity to develop as a rugby player and take on this exciting challenge is one I am looking forward to getting stuck into.”
Meanwhile, Warriors look set to be without club captain Jonathan Thomas for their crucial league clash against Sale Sharks on Saturday (2pm).
The influential back row will attend a tribunal today (Wednesday) after he received a red card at Franklin’s Gardens for allegedly punching Northampton Saints’ Sam Dickinson in the face.