WASPS fly-half Billy Searle has been earmarked for a "huge role" after penning a two-year deal at Warriors.

The 23-year-old will head to Sixways for the start of 2020-21 as the club's first recruit.

READ MORE | Fatialofa's wife in plea to have 24-hour access to his bedside

READ MORE | Solomons says "sensitivity is key" to handling Fatialofa concerns

Searle launched his career in the National Leagues for Launceston and Plymouth Albion before a two-year stint at Bristol where he played Premiership, Championship and European Challenge Cup rugby.

The summer of 2018 brought about a switch to Wasps only for a broken leg and dislocated ankle to stifle his progress.

He has made four appearances for the Coventry-based club to date, featuring at fly-half when Worcester lost 39-6 at the Ricoh Arena in the Premiership Rugby Cup in October.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons, who came Searle while working as a consultant at Bristol, said: “Billy is an outstanding young English fly-half.

"He has an excellent skillset, the ability to manage a game effectively and he kicks really well, both for goal and out of hand.

“He is also a first-class bloke and a good team man. It is fantastic news for the club that he has decided to join us here at Sixways and I believe that he will play a huge role as we look to take the club forward.

“On a personal note, I am really looking forward to working with Billy again.”

Searle previously worked with Jonathan Thomas and Matt Sherratt, both of whom will be heading to Sixways, while at Bristol.

“I’m really happy,” Searle said.

“The opportunity to develop my game under the guidance of Alan Solomons, Jonathan Thomas, Matt Sherratt and the rest of the coaching team is extremely exciting.

“The talent coming through at Worcester makes for exciting times and I hope I can help the club to challenge in all competitions.

“The atmosphere at Worcester has always been one of the best in the Premiership so to play in front of them on a regular basis will be a huge honour.

“I would like to thank Wasps, specifically the players and coaching staff, for the past two years and would like to thank the fans for their continued support.

“I am now looking forward to finishing the season strongly and teaming up with Worcester at the start of next season."