Powerful Walker now a Warrior
Worcester Warriors have added to their backline resources by signing powerful Scotland international wing Nikki Walker from Pro12 giants Ospreys.
Walker, who has been a star performer at the Ospreys over the last six seasons, will make the move to Warriors from the start of the 2012/13 season.
Warriors coach Richard Hill said: “We have signed a physical and explosive player with real experience who will add a huge amount to the club. We are striving to improve our squad and so we’re delighted to have an international player of Nikki’s pedigree coming in.
“Nikki has played Heineken Cup and international rugby, including a Rugby World Cup. He will bring that experience to Sixways and if we are going to move upwards we have to bring in people who have played at the very highest level.
“He will also bring a different style to our play. At Ospreys he was used in conjunction with Shane Williams and added a real threat around the 10 channel. It opened up space out wide and if he can do that at Warriors it will allow our other wingers to exploit that room.
“Nikki also has a fantastic attitude and is a real club man who will embrace the culture and environment we have here at Sixways,” he added.
Walker, who has also played for Border Reivers, made his Scotland debut against Romania in November 2002 and was part of the World Cup squad in 2007.
The 29-year-old made four appearances during the 2008 Six Nations, including Scotland’s Calcutta Cup win over England. He was also part of Andy Robinson’s squad for the 2010 November internationals against Samoa, New Zealand and South Africa.
Walker went on to play in all but one of Scotland’s 2011 Six Nations campaign before a knee injury cruelly ruled him out of the World Cup last year.
“It’s an exciting new challenge for me. I’m looking forward to playing in England and Warriors are clearly a club that is on the up,” said Walker.
“The results in recent months have shown the huge potential and ambition and so it is a club I am keen to join up with. I spoke to Richard Hill and he is passionate and enthusiastic about the future of the Warriors.”
