Forward Graham Kitchener to leave Worcester Warriors

Kitchener is a graduate of the Worcester Warriors academy

Worcester Warriors second-row forward Graham Kitchener will leave Sixways at the end of this season.

Kitchener, 21, has made 61 appearances for the Warriors and scored 25 points during his time at the club.

Head coach Richard Hill said: "We're obviously disappointed that Graham Kitchener is to leave the club.

"He has come through the academy system and progressed to the England Saxons squad through his performances and development at Sixways."

Kitchener admits that having come up through the ranks at Sixways it has been a very tough decision for him to take.

"I feel a great sense of loyalty to everyone at the club who has helped me to progress from an early age," said Kitchener.

"But after much deliberation I feel the time is right to give myself a new challenge.

I have no doubt that he will continue conduct himself in the right manner and do everything he possibly can to help the club gain promotion

Worcester Warriors head coach Richard Hill

"I would like to thank everyone involved at the club, especially Andrew Stanley and Gary Meechan who have always guided and helped me and Phil Davies who has taken a lot of time in mentoring me individually this year," he added.

Hill says he and the coaching staff have been aware for some time there was a chance Kitchener might move on, so they have had contingency plans in place.

But he is confident that the second-row will give his all for the remainder of the season as the Warriors look to win back their place in the Premiership.

"Graham remains a key part of our squad and will continue to represent the Warriors throughout the remainder of the season in the RFU Championship play-offs and British & Irish Cup," Hill told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"He is an outstanding professional and I have no doubt that he will continue conduct himself in the right manner and do everything he possibly can to help the club gain promotion.

"We have been very active with the recruitment of second rows as we build for next season.

"We now look forward to revealing to our supporters the new recruits who boast a wealth of experience and talent in this position in the coming week."