WORCESTER Warriors have snapped up influential South African back row Gerrit-Jan Van Velze from Northampton Saints.
The 25-year-old was among four new recruits to be announced by the club yesterday as work continues at Warriors to assemble a strong squad for next season
Scrum half Charlie Mulchrone (Rotherham Titans), tighthead prop Joe Rees (Ospreys) and centre Heath Stevens (Plymouth Albion) will all make the move, along with Van Velze, to Sixways in the summer.
Since moving to Franklin’s Gardens in 2012, Van Velze has made 38 appearances for Saints and he has featured regularly in the Heineken Cup.
He has also previously captained South Africa Schools and was nominated for the IRB Under 19 Player of the Year in 2007 before making his Super Rugby debut for Blue Bulls three years later.
Van Velze said: “I had a conversation with Dean Ryan, during which he explained the challenge ahead.
“It’s a different challenge to the one I’ve had at Northampton but it’s something I’m looking forward to.
“I know Nick Johnston from his time at Northampton so it is clear that players are looked after on and off the pitch and it is an environment which will allow me to grow as a player and a person.”