WARRIORS have confirmed the signing of Wales international centre Ashley Beck from Guinness Pro 14 side Ospreys on a two-year deal.
The 27-year-old will make the move to Sixways in the summer to further strengthen Warriors’ exciting backline ahead of the 2018/19 season.
Beck has played seven times for Wales, having crossed the whitewash on two occasions, with his last appearance coming in 2013.
A product of the Ospreys Academy, Beck has played 132 games for the Welsh region, crossing the tryline 28 times.
Beck also represented Wales at Under 16, 18 and 20 level and counts Aberavon RFC as a former Club.
Beck said: “I’ll forever be thankful to Ospreys for the opportunities I’ve been given but I feel it’s the right time for a new challenge.
“Worcester is a great Club with some fantastic facilities. I’m excited about joining a backline full of pace and energy and look forward to the prospect of playing Premiership Rugby which I believe is the most competitive league in the world.”
Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons added: “Ashley is a superb player with international experience and will be a real asset to the side.”
BACK row Marco Mama has signed a new one-year deal with the club.
Mama, who has made 28 appearances since making the switch from Bristol Rugby, is yet another first-team player to pen a new deal ahead of the 2018/19 season as Solomons looks to build stability and continuity within the squad.
The Nigerian-born forward first arrived at Sixways in August 2015 on loan before securing a permanent deal in 2016.
He made a bright start to life at Warriors, with his first try against Harlequins and being named as the Club’s Player of the Month in January 2016.
As part of his loan deal, Mama returned to Bristol for the end of the 2015/16 campaign and helped the West Country side gain promotion to the Aviva Premiership.
Back at Sixways, the all-action back row was in fine form during the 2016/17 season as he became a regular in Warriors’ Premiership starting line-up but an unfortunate ACL injury has kept the Zimbabwean out for the majority of this campaign.
Mama, who also represented a Championship XV side which defeated Canada in 2014 at Sixways, said: “I’ve really enjoyed the last three seasons at Sixways and I’m over the moon to be extending my time here.
“I’ve made some lifelong friends and I believe this club can progress and push its way up the Premiership table.
“It’s been frustrating being out this season with injury, but I’m determined more so than ever to get back out on the field and fight for my place in the team.”
Solomons added: “Marco is a fantastic back row and we’re really pleased that he’s decided to stay. We’re looking forward to having him back fully fit and firing.”