WARRIORS have added further competition to the back row by securing the signing of Springbok flanker Dewald Potgieter.
The 28-year-old will join up with his new teammates immediately, ahead of the clash with Bath at Sixways this Saturday (February 13).
Potgieter has a decorated history in his native South Africa, having won two consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Bulls in 2009 and 2010, amassing 70 appearances for the Pretoria-based side.
The flanker’s Super Rugby success coincided with him making six international appearances for the Springboks, bagging a try against Wales at the Millenium Stadium in June 2010.
He also captained the Emerging Springboks against the British and Irish Lions in 2009 – where he came up against Ireland legend and current Warriors lock, Donncha O’Callaghan.
Dewald was also part of provincial side Blue Bulls, scoring ten tries in 65 appearances as they won the 2009 Currie Cup title, and 2008 and 2010 Vodacom Cup crowns.
Since 2013, Potgieter has been plying his trade in Japan for Yamaha Jubilo, reaching the final of the Top League competition in 2014/15 and winning the LIXIL Cup for the first time in the club’s history during the same season.
In the 2015/16 Top League campaign, the forward helped his side top their pool, before they went on to claim third place in the competition after losing in the semi-finals.
“I’m really excited about a new challenge in England with Warriors,” said Potgieter.
“Dean Ryan is building something really unique at Worcester and it’s something that really appealed to me.
“I can’t wait to get to Sixways to try and earn the respect of my teammates, and hopefully I can add something to the squad,” he added.
Director of Rugby Ryan said: “Dewald is a talented flanker with a wealth of experience at the top level from his time in Super Rugby.
“He has played with and against some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere and his inclusion in the back row will be of huge benefit to the pack.”