Alex Grove back in fold with Worcester

Grove has run in 13 tries in 42 games for Worcester

Worcester Warriors have welcomed back Alex Grove to Sixways following the end of his six-month loan at Edinburgh.

The Scotland international centre, 23, is now available for the second half of the season for the Championship leaders as they bid to clinch promotion.

"To have an international player coming back into the squad now is a fantastic lift to us all," said Warriors head coach Richard Hill.

"It will add real competition at centre as we build towards the play-offs."

Rob Higgitt, Alex Crockett and Dale Rasmussen have all featured in the centre for Worcester in recent league games, while Hill has further back-up in Andy Short and Greg King.

And Hill said: "Alex knows he has a lot of hard work ahead of him to force his way into the team.

"The squad has moved on well since September and is familiar with the attack and defence strategies we know employ.

"His attitude has been fantastic throughout this loan deal.

"He has always kept in contact with the coaching staff and players and also made several trips down from Scotland to watch a number of our games at Sixways.

"Alex is massively enthusiastic about the challenge ahead. He is determined to help Worcester Warriors achieve the success we crave this season."

Grove made nine league appearances for Edinburgh, making seven starts, as well as playing in a Heineken Cup game against Cardiff Blues in October.