Van Velze to join Worcester

London - South African forward Gerrit-Jan van Velze is to join Worcester from rival English Premiership side Northampton in the European summer, it was announced on Tuesday.

The 25-year-old former Blue Bull moves after a two-year spell with last season's Premiership runners-up.

Worcester rugby director Dean Ryan said: "It is fantastic that GJ has decided to join us.

"He is an experienced Premiership player with strong leadership qualities who we see being influential on the pitch as well as joining a strong leadership group to help us build a new culture here at Worcester."

Van Velze added: "I had a conversation with Dean Ryan, during which he explained the challenge ahead.

"It's a different challenge to the one I've had at Northampton but it's something I'm looking forward to."