Durutalo realises his Premiership dream

WORCESTER have strengthened their options in the back row with the signing of 19-cap USA international Andrew Durutalo.

The powerful flanker joins from Ealing Trailfinders where he enjoyed a remarkable start to the season with five tries in six games.

Durutalo, 29, who told TRP last month of his dream to become a Premiership player, picked up the man-of-the-match award on three occasions and leaves the Championship side in second place in the table, four points behind Bristol.

Warriors director of rugby Gary Gold said: “Andrew is a talented, strong individual who will add some extra firepower to our back row so we’re looking forward to seeing how he goes.”

Durutalo, right, added: “I’m delighted to make the step into the Premiership and can’t wait to show what I can do on the pitch.”

Former Bristol No.9 Alby Mathewson, 31, has agreed a deal to join Toulon. He will provide competition in an area where Toulon already have options in Eric Escande and Sebastien TillousBorde, plus Rhys Webb joining in the summer.

Escande is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring an ankle against Scarlets in the Champions Cup at the weekend. Mathewson has played Super Rugby for Western Force, Hurricanes and the Blues. Saracens fly-half Alex Lozowski, 24, has signed a new deal keeping him at the club until the summer of 2020. “In his brief time at the club, Alex has shown how good a player he is,” director of rugby Mark McCall said.