KEY POINTS:
English club rugby side Worcester have signed All Blacks and Blues lock Greg Rawlinson.
Rawlinson, who has played three times for New Zealand, has reportedly signed a three-year contract.
"Greg is an exceptionally talented lock and his signing is a clear illustration of where we want to take the club," said Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock.
"This underlines the ambition of Worcester Warriors and the way we plan to play will suit Greg's strengths," he said.
"It is crucial we maintain our dominance in the forward pack, and the second row was an area I targeted as one to strengthen."
Rawlinson, who qualifies as a non-overseas player via his South African passport, said he was excited about playing in the Guinness Premiership and being part of a new challenge at Worcester.
"I've spoken to (Worcester director of rugby) Mike Ruddock at length and we share a lot of common beliefs about how the game should be played.
"The arrival of new signings, including Sam Tuitupou who I know well from Auckland Blues, combined with the existing squad will now take the club to the next level.
"I plan to play a big role in an exciting new era at Warriors and believe the move to England will also bring the best out in me and help me develop as a player," Rawlinson said on the club's website.
Ruddock was still on the lookout for players.
"We have still got positions I want to fill with the World Cup and call-ups also to consider," he said.
"We want strength in depth and we are planning to announce some more positive news in the very near future."
Rawlinson joined an exodus from domestic rugby, with All Blacks hooker Anton Oliver, prop Carl Hayman, lock Chris Jack, midfielders Aaron Mauger and Tuitupou, and halfback Byron Kelleher all set to leave after the World Cup.
- NZPA
