Smith heading to Warriors

Worcester Warriors have announced that Sam Smith will join the club when his contract with Harlequins comes to an end in June

The 23-year-old will move to Sixways after five years at the Stoop, during which time he helped Quins to the Premiership title in 2012 and the Anglo-Welsh Cup in March 2013.

The prolific wing has scored 25 tries in 69 games for Harlequins and has been a regular feature in the European Cup over the last three years.

Smith said: "I have really enjoyed my time at Harlequins, making this a tough decision, but when I spoke to Dean [Ryan] it was clear to me that I wanted to be a part of his vision at Worcester.

"The opportunity to develop as a rugby player and take on this exciting challenge is one I am looking forward to getting stuck into.

"I'd like to thank everyone at Quins for giving me the opportunities I have had here. I have loved every minute of it and will miss everyone – they are a great group of guys that I have been lucky enough to work with day-in day-out.”

Warriors Director of Rugby Dean Ryan said: "Sam fits the profile of the type of player we want to attract to Sixways to ensure we build a successful side.  He is young, hungry to succeed and will be an important part of the culture we are creating."

"He is someone who had a choice of where to play his rugby and I am delighted that he has decided to join us, especially as he complements our talented line of English backs.

Harlequins Director of Rugby Conor O'Shea commented: "It is always hard to see one of your own moving on but that is the world we live in. Sam has been given a great opportunity at Worcester and I know everyone at the club will wish him well at the end of the season.

"In the meantime I know, and we have already seen, that Sam will be doing everything he can to go out on a high with the club he has grown up at."