Olivier Sourgens signs one-year deal with Worcester Warriors

Jun 4 2009 by Brian Dick, Birmingham Post

Mike Ruddock has added a second thirtysomething front row forward to his Worcester squad with the recruitment of former France international Olivier Sourgens.

But the veteran 37-year-old, who yesterday signed a contract that will keep him at Sixways for 12 months, makes new team-mate Adam Black look something of a whippersnapper with the loosehead three years his junior.

Ruddock’s move comes just a few days after he brought Black from Newport Gwent Dragons and is born out of concern over the future of Chris Horsman who is awaiting results on a neck injury that could end his career.

With that in mind the Warriors director of rugby has sought to deepen his resources with a prop who has played six times for France A and gained a single cap on tour to New Zealand in June 2007.

The vastly experienced tight-head joins from French outfit Bordeaux-Bègles after a 14-year club rugby career in France with spells at Stade Montois, Pau and Bourgoin after which he returned to Bordeaux last year.

“Olivier is a vastly experienced prop with international and Top 14 rugby over many years,” said Ruddock.

“He is a proven scrummager and all-round robust and aggressive forward. Olivier comes highly recommended and, from what I’ve seen of him in action, he looks a very good signing for us.

“We are keen to utilise his experience to add to the youthful exuberance provided in our squad by the likes of Matt Mullan, Callum Black and Shaun Ruwers. Also, due to the doubts over Chris Horsman, it is important we reinforce this area as soon as possible.

“Together with the recent signing of Adam Black, Olivier will provide a hard edge and further increase our front row resources.”

Going the other way Ruddock is set to release former British Lion Darren Morris later this week.