WORCESTER Rugby Club have swooped for Gloucester's winger Daren O'Leary.

The 29-year-old almost moved to Sixways last season when Worcester were desperate for cover in the back three.

However, three months on and he has finally made it to Worcester.

Director of rugby John Brain had been searching for a winger to bolster the squad following Craig Hudson's return to New Zealand because of illness. And he finally has his man, at the second attempt.

"We're delighted to have Daren on board," said Brain. "He is a prolific try scorer at Premiership level and will be a real threat in National One.

"We tried to sign him last season but a deal couldn't be struck but this time, I'm pleased he's come to Worcester.

"We were conscious that we needed to bring in an experienced player into the squad. However, Daren won't be coming to Worcester as cover. He's here to nail down a place in the team."

O'Leary's move, however, puts an end to any idea of Chris Catling returning to Sixways after a successful three-month loan last season.

Catling was told by Gloucester last week that his contract would not be renewed but Worcester were already down the line with their move for O'Leary. Brain added: "Daren can play full back. He's an experienced 15 at Premiership level. Ideally, though, we wanted a winger who can play as full back not the other way around.

"Daren will put pressure on the back three. That's what we want, we want them to feel under pressure. That's got to be healthy for the squad."

After bringing experience to the club, Brain has also been busy recruiting potential.

Iyran Clunis will move to Sixways after making the switch from London Irish.

The 18-year-old hooker was named in the England under-19 squad for the FIRA World Cup back in April alongside Worcester's William Bowley, Mark Hopley and Rhodri McAtee.

"I think Iyran has a lot of potential and we are very happy to have him at Worcester," added Brain.

"He will be training with the first team squad along with Matt Evans who we have also signed from Gloucester and those two players also have the opportunity to play for the academy if they can't get a first team game on a Saturday."