New Zealander Willison to join Worcester Warriors

Premiership strugglers Worcester Warriors have bolstered their squad for the 2016-17 season with the signing of centre Jackson Willison from Grenoble.

A former Super Rugby champion with Waikato Chiefs in 2012, Willison also represented Auckland Blues and Waikato's ITM Cup side in his native New Zealand before moving to France in 2014.

"Jackson is a talented athlete and will add some real firepower to our midfield," said Worcester director of rugby Dean Ryan.

"He is an exciting player with experience in both the southern and northern hemisphere and has played alongside some of the biggest stars in the game which will stand in him in good stead ahead of his move to the Premiership."

Willison, who has represented the Maori All Blacks, added: "Worcester are a club which are definitely moving forward and, after speaking with Dean, I felt this was a great opportunity for me.

"I've had a great time in France with Grenoble and hopefully we finish this season very successfully which is my current focus.

"But I felt this was the right time to move to the UK and will be looking forward to playing in England and I'm excited to be a part of the journey on which the club is embarking."