Best to leave Saints for Worcester
Ireland flanker Neil Best to leave Northampton Saints for Worcester
Tuesday, 26, Jan 2010 12:48
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
Ireland international Neil Best will leave Northampton Saints to sign for Guinness Premiership rivals Worcester Warriors at the end of the current season.
The back-row forward, who has 18 caps, has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third year at Sixways and leaves Northampton after just two seasons.
Best, 30, believes the move will benefit him as a player and gives him a good opportunity to work with experienced coach Mike Ruddock.
"In terms of the city, Worcester has a real rugby feel to it, very much like Northampton, and the club is held in high esteem by the people who really want it to do well," he said.
"I met Mike Ruddock and, although I knew about him as a coach and his ethos, his passion and ambition for success can only rub off on you. Everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet and keen for success, that makes you want to play for the club."
Best joined Saints from Ulster, where he made more than 100 appearances, and former Wales coach Ruddock said he is "delighted" with the capture of an experienced international player to bolster his pack for next season.
"He is a highly respected figure in British and Irish rugby and brings with him a wealth of experience at international level and a no-nonsense approach combined with intelligence and skill," Ruddock explained.
"Neil is just the sort of player we need in our squad and I know he will add leadership to our team and will always lead from the front.
"This is a great signing for Worcester Warriors and we look forward to welcoming him to Sixways."