Warriors confirm Luscombe signing

Mar 12 2008 By Brian Dick

Worcester Warriors have confirmed the signing of former Wales wing Hal Luscombe, as exclusively revealed by The Birmingham Post on Monday.

The 27-year-old threequarter, who has made 16 appearances for his country, has moved from Harlequins on a two-year deal and will once again team up with Mike Ruddock and Clive Griffiths.

South African-born Luscombe was part of the Wales team, coached by the Sixways duo, that in 2005 won the country’s first Grand Slam for 27 years.

He played for Newport Gwent Dragons until 2006 when he opted to try his hand in the Guinness Premiership with Quins. Since then he has been a regular, rather than outstanding, performer for Dean Richards’s men.

Luscombe becomes Ruddock’s second major signing for next season with Australia legend Chris Latham already committed to moving to Sixways.

Like Latham Luscombe claims he is attracted to Worcester not just by the chance to team up with Ruddock and Griffiths again but by the style of play his compatriots have encouraged – a style that is starting to bear fruit.

“There is massive ambition at Worcester and it will be really exciting to be a part of that,” Luscombe said. “I’m looking ahead to the challenge and being a big player at the club. They have a great mix of youth and experience and in the last few weeks have got the results against top four sides that show the true potential at Warriors.

 “They want to play open and attacking rugby and I believe my game will flourish in that surrounding. The move will also put me closer to my family in Wales and my daughter who has just started school.  “That was a key part of my decision making too, I know I am joining a family orientated club where we will be welcomed.”

Ruddock believes Luscombe will bring depth to the squad particularly at outside centre where they have lacked options.

“He will add immense value to the team through his international qualities and ability to play at both outside centre and wing,” Ruddock said. “He is big and strong with great awareness in attack and defence.

“It has become obvious this season that we have struggled to cover the 13 spot, particularly during a spell when Dale Rasmussen had an ongoing foot injury. 

“Dale had to miss training during the week then go out on Saturday to play. For that reason alone we needed to invest in extra cover, however, given the quality of Hal and the quality of Dale we now have a very competitive situation at 13 which should only enhance the team going forward.

“Hal is an excellent professional, both on and off the field, and being South Africa born shares many of the values that you find with Thinus Delport and which I am sure will make him popular with Warriors fans.”