WARRIORS have strengthened their options in the back row with the signing of USA international Andrew Durutalo.
The powerful flanker, who arrives at Sixways later this week, joins from Ealing Trailfinders where he enjoyed a remarkable start to the season with five tries in six games.
Durutalo also picked up the man of the match award on three occasions and leaves the Greene King IPA Championship outfit in second place in the table – just four points behind Bristol Rugby.
The 29-year-old has 19 international appearances under his belt, crossing the whitewash on four occasions, and represented the USA Eagles at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The big back row has also featured for USA’s Sevens side and was part of the squad that took part in the inaugural tournament at the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.
Born in New York City to Fijian parents, Durutalo returned to Fiji as a youngster and went on to captain Fiji’s U19 and U21 teams.
He earned a scholarship to attend Hakuah University in Japan and later played Super Rugby for the Sunwolves in Japan for the 2016 season.
“I’m delighted to make the step into the Premiership and can’t wait to show what I can do on the pitch,” he said.
Director of rugby Gary Gold said: “Andrew is a talented, strong individual who will add some extra firepower to our back row so we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes.”
Durutalo may feature as Warriors make the journey to Ireland this weekend to tackle Connacht in the European Challenge Cup on Saturday (3pm).
Connacht defeated Oyonnax 43-15 on match day one while Warriors opened their European campaign in style as they swept to a bonus point 30-20 victory against Brive.
Joe Taufete’e was the star of the show for the hosts as he claimed a first half hat-trick to give his side a 17-10 lead at the break.
Brive full back Guillaume Namy, who touched down in the first half, scored his and Brive’s second after the break to reduce Warriors’ lead to 20-15, but Ethan Waller claimed a bonus point try for the hosts on the hour mark.
Replacement prop Julien Brugnaut gave Brive hope late on but Warriors held firm to secure the win.