>> Heinz quits his Glos deal to join Worcester
WILLI HEINZ is set to swap Gloucester for Premiership rivals Worcester Warriors next season after activating an escape clause in his contract.
The New Zealandborn England scrum-half, 34, scored his first try of the season against Northampton Saints last weekend in his third appearance of the season after injury. He was due to be under contract at Kingsholm for next season but had a released clause which Blindside understands is about to be taken up. Heinz, who joined the Cherry and Whites from the Crusaders in 2015, has won 13 caps for his adopted country and has been offered a two-year deal by the Warriors with the option for a thirdyear coaching.
The Warriors opted to move for Heinz, who was part of England's 2019 World Cup squad, despite recently signing Will Chudley from Bath on a two-year deal.
Alan Solomons has been trying to strengthen his squad now that the club are safe from relegation after the Premiership was ring-fenced for the next 12 months.
But we understand it is now unlikely that Harlequins hooker Scott Baldwin will be moving to Sixways despite agreeing to a move.
Former Wales star Baldwin, 32, seems set to stay in south-west London next season, leaving the Warriors looking elsewhere for a replacement.