WORCESTER Warriors have signed Jersey Reds tighthead prop Simon Kerrod ahead of the 2017/18 season.
The 24-year-old South African, who is considered to be a talented scrummager and strong ball-carrier, began his career with Blue Bulls under-19s and, despite being just 17, the Johannesburg-born player went on to represent the Sharks at both under-19 and under-21 level.
Kerrod made his Vodacom Cup debut for the Sharks in 2013 after excelling at junior level and soon signed with Eastern Province Kings and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University ahead of the 2014 season.
An English-qualified player, Kerrod went on to feature in the 2015 Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup before moving to Jersey at the start of 2016, where he has since made 28 appearances – including two tries in last weekend’s 37-33 win at London Scottish.
The tighthead also represented the South African Barbarians against Saracens in London in 2013.
Kerrod said: “The prospect of playing at a club like Warriors is simply something I couldn’t turn down.
“Having seen the facilities at Sixways, it’s unlike anything I’ve experienced before, so I’m looking forward to joining the club and developing as a player.”
Director of Rugby Gary Gold said: “Simon is a powerful scrummager who likes to get around the park. He’s a promising prop and we’re looking forward to trying to help him reach the top of his game at Warriors.”