FORMER Warriors flanker Jake Abbott is off to America after agreeing to join Texas-side Griffin Rugby.
The 26-year-old, who had been involved with Warriors since the age of six, left Sixways this summer after director of rugby Dean Ryan failed to give him a new deal.
The Worcester-born back row will be looking to re-ignite his career, which has so far been blighted by injuries, when he makes the move across the Atlantic.
Phil Camm, director of Griffins Rugby, said they were delighted to get Abbott on board as he revealed the former England Sevens star had turned down offers from a number of clubs in Europe.
“Our goal has always been to attract talent to this side of the Atlantic so the rest of our players can benefit by playing and practising alongside world class players like Jake,” he added.
Worcester to host league’s best
SIXWAYS has been selected to host November’s match between a Championship XV representative side and Canada.
The best XV from across the league will face Canada in a showpiece game on Sunday, November 2 at 3.15pm which has been designed to highlight the breadth of talent on offer in the second tier.
Warriors acting-chief executive Anthony Glossop said it was another major coup for Worcester’s ground which has previously staged two LV= Cup finals.
“We are all looking forward to welcoming those players to Sixways,” he said. “It will be a great advert for rugby in the Championship – a league in which 21 of the current EPS squad have cut their teeth in the game.”
Ladies sparkle at Sixways
A THOUSAND fans watched on at Sixways as Worcester Ladies and Lichfield Ladies fought out a thrilling 24-24 draw.
The clash, which took place after Worcester Warriors’ win over Moseley on Saturday, saw the lead change hands seven times before both sides had to take a share of the spoils.
Nothing could separate them at half time as a Samantha Bree try, which Ceri Large converted, cancelled out an impressive first half from the visitors to leave the scores tied at the break.
The momentum continued to swing either way in the second period as Bree went over for her second, with Large adding the extras. before Lichfield scored a converted try to level the match.
Ten-man Wanderers lose at the death
TIGHT-HEAD prop Dave Whitting saw red as Worcester Wanderers suffered a heartbreaking 21-19 defeat at Newport Salop in Midlands One West.
Wanderers, who were relegated from National Three South West, held a 19-14 lead when Jonny Dawson crashed over and they looked to be edging to victory despite having Whitting sent off mid-way through the second half.
But with two minutes remaining, Newport Salop scored a converted try to clinch victory for the home side.
Meanwhile, Upton-on-Severn began their season in final style as they kicked off the Midlands Three West (South) campaign with a 36-10 win over Cheltenham North.