Ben Gulliver was on loan from Pirates to Leicester Tigers last season

Worcester Warriors have signed lock forward Ben Gulliver from Cornish Pirates - the team they beat to win promotion back to the Premiership.

Gulliver, 30, who spent three months on loan at Leicester last season, did not feature in either of the two Pirates-Worcester Championship play-off games.

But Worcester head coach Richard Hill has been tracked him for some time.

"I have twice looked to sign him before only for him to suffer an injury so I'm pleased to sign him up," said Hill.

"Ben was on loan at Leicester last season. He played against us in the A League and had a very good game for Tigers.

Coventry-born second row Gulliver also caught the eye for the Pirates in the Championship, featuring against Worcester in a narrow 33-30 defeat at the Mennaye Field in February.

He is a very hard, combative and aggressive forward who caused us a few problems Warriors coach Richard Hill

"He impressed when playing for Pirates against Warriors," added Hill. "He is a very hard, combative and aggressive forward who caused us a few problems.

"He is physically very strong and athletic for a big man and I am sure Ben will be able to make the step up to Premiership level next season with the Warriors."

Six foot five Gulliver weighs 17st 5lbs, making him a big threat at line-outs.

He began his career at home town club Coventry and following a spell at Saracens, where he represented England Students, he made the move to Plymouth Albion.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version