THE Ruddock revolution continues to gather pace with the new Worcester Warriors director of rugby making his first signing - prop forward Shaun Ruwers.

While former Wales Grand Slam-winning coach Mike Ruddock has made the South African-born tight-head the first addition of his reign, two more players have headed through the exit door.

Centre Simon Whatling and flanker Tom Harding have joined centres Thomas Lombard and Miguel Avramovic in leaving the club as Ruddock looks to stamp his mark on the playing squad.

The 6ft 3ins, 19st 6lbs Ruwers has joined the Warriors following a successful season for Waterloo in National Division One, and Ruddock admitted he is looking to bring in more new faces.

He said: "We are very pleased to welcome Shaun to Sixways and we look forward to him making a big impact at the club.

"He has impressed me not only with his scrummaging skills but also with his ball carrying ability.

"Also, I would like to thank Tom and Simon most sincerely for their efforts for Worcester. Simon has been unfortunate with injuries and the arrival of Sam Tuitupou next season means his chances would have been limited.

"Tom expressed a desire some time ago to return home, we respect his wishes and hope he has every success in his career.

"We are now looking for potential replacements and at this moment I am considering the quality of players in our academy programme as well as the possibility of bringing in replacements externally."

Ruwers, who has also played for Natal Sharks and Atlantic Pumas, has signed a one-year contract at Sixways with the potential for that deal to be extended. He will provide valuable cover with players such as Chris Horsman expected to be away on World Cup duty next season.

The highly-rated 24-year-old said: "I'm very excited about the move to Warriors and have already been very im-pressed by Mike Ruddock and his ambitious plans to transform the club into a true force in the English game.

"I'm young, hungry and eager to prove I can be an asset to his club. I'm determined to take this opportunity to prove my ability in the Guinness Premiership."

Back row Harding joined Warriors from New Zealand side North Harbour in October 2005 and previously played for Otago.

The 25-year-old made 39 first team appearances at Sixways, including 19 in the Guinness Premiership last season.

Harding is now expected to return to New Zealand in the coming weeks to continue his rugby career.

Whatling, 22, is a product of the Warriors academy and has been at Worcester for the last three years.

The former England Under 21 skipper made seven first team starts last season, including three in the Guinness Premiership.