Comment

Aisea Havili: Joined the Pirates.

ENGLAND Under 20s flanker Matt Cox has signed a new one-year deal with Worcester Warriors, but Tongan wing Aisea Havili has left Sixways to sign for the Cornish Pirates.

Academy product Cox scored a try and picked up a yellow card in an eventful Guinness Premiership debut against London Wasps at Adams Park last month.

The 20-year-old was also in-volved in the England Sevens squad for the recent tournament in Hong Kong.

However, speedster Havili, nicknamed Ice', has been frozen out at Sixways after incurring director of rugby Mike Ruddock's wrath by opting to return to Tonga after the World Cup rather than report for training.

The 31-year-old, who moved to Worcester from Llanelli Sc-arlets in October 2005, scored 17 tries in 36 appearances for the club but has not featured at all this season.

Ruddock revealed Cox was attracting interest from other top-flight sides but had decided to remain at a club that has nurtured his development.

The Warriors chief said: "We're delighted to announce that Matt has signed a one-year deal with Warriors.

"He has been a crucial member of the England Under 20 Grand Slam-winning side this season and has the ability to play right across the back-row.

"He was already, at such a young age, attracting a number of other clubs' attention.

"However, his desire was to remain loyal to Warriors after receiving support and development through our academy system. This was an important reason for him wanting to extend his stay with the club."

Meanwhile, Worcester had sold 4,500 of their 7,000-ticket allocation for the European Challenge Cup final against Bath by lunchtime yesterday.

Season ticket and debenture holders queued around Sixways for hours on Tuesday when the tickets for the biggest game in the club's history went on sale.

The remaining tickets will be on general sale from 9am on Monday from the Sixways ticket office or by calling 01905-454183.

5:25pm Thursday 8th May 2008

Print

Email this

Comment