Rugby Union
Warriors land Pirates back row

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WORCESTER Warriors have bolstered their injury-depleted back row by signing New Zealander Blair Cowan from Cornish Pirates.

The dynamic back row, who has made a total of 79 appearances for Pirates and scored 26 tries in league and cup action, moves to Sixways on a deal that will keep him at the Aviva Premiership side until at least 2013.

The 25-year-old, who stands 6ft 2in tall and weighs 16st 6lbs, is expected to join up with his new team-mates in the coming days.

Head Coach Richard Hill said Cowan had attracted attention from clubs in the Aviva Premiership and so was delighted with the new addition to his playing squad.

"Blair is a very powerful man with a good rugby brain. We are after a strong ball carrying Number Eight who can make an impact for us and I know Blair is very keen to make a mark here," he said.

"He has demonstrated during his time at Cornish Pirates that he is a real talent. I've spoken to Chris Stirling at Pirates, who has spoken very highly of him, and Sam Betty and Ben Gulliver are also keen to see him join the Warriors and the know he is the type of person who will add something to our squad.

"We are always looking at the RFU Championship for talented players. The likes of Sam Betty have come in and made a very big impression for us.

"Blair will join us in the coming days and he could now feature for us as early as the LV= Cup game with Saracens."

Cowan said: "I've watched the Warriors over the last few weeks and seen the fantastic results the club has achieved and the real team spirit that is clearly evident at Sixways. It's a great time to become a Warrior.

"I like to keep a track on what Sam Betty and Ben Gulliver and I was at Sixways for the Christmas game with Leicester Tigers. Although the result was not what the club wanted the atmosphere was something else and I can't wait to play in front of that passionate crowd.

"Richard Hill and his coaching team have clearly created a special environment at Sixways and I can't wait to move up to the Midlands and get involved."