WORCESTER'S off-season recruitment drive has gathered pace with the acquisition of Samoan international Loki Crichton.

The utility back has signed a two-year deal at Sixways and becomes the club's third capture following the signings of prop Shaun Ruwers and lock Greg Rawlinson.

Crichton played his rugby at Newcastle last season and Warriors fans will remember him as the man who missed what should have been a match-winning kick from in front of the posts when the two sides met at Sixways in March.

But director of rugby Mike Ruddock believes he will be a useful addition to the Worces-ter squad.

"Loki is a very talented international player and as such he will bring a huge amount of experience to the Warriors," said Ruddock.

"He can play in more than one position and, with a demanding season ahead of us, he will give us lots of selection options.

"Loki has a good all-round game with tackling and passing of the highest quality.

"When he played against the Warriors last season, he got his back-line working very well, particularly in the first-half when Newcastle had the ball. Thankfully, the Warriors turned the game around in the second-half and starved New-castle of possession.

"However, Loki showed on that day what he was capable of when given the platform."

Crichton can operate at full-back or fly-half and has played for the Chiefs in the Super 14 competition and Waikato in the Air New Zealand Cup.

The 31-year-old made his debut for Samoa last year, during the inaugural Pacific Five Nations tournament. He was named in the Pacific Islanders touring squad in 2006 and is currently representing his country in the IRB Pacific Nations Cup.

"I'm delighted to sign and I'm already looking forward to meeting up with my new team-mates and joining the Warriors family," said Crichton.

"I was impressed with Mike, having spoken to him about how he wants to play the game and I know that will suit my style. Worcester plan to play some great attacking rugby in the coming season and that is the way I like to play.

"I've already tasted the wonderful atmosphere at Sixways during my time with Newcas-tle and know the facilities are first rate and will only get better in the coming years.

"The supporters at Worcester already have a wonderful reputation in the English game and I plan to be a key part of a team that will play a brand of rugby that those fans will relish watching.

"The club has a vision for the future to become the very best in European rugby. I want to be a big part of that journey."