Scotland wing Nikki Walker signs for Worcester Warriors (original) (raw)

Worcester Warriors will sign Ospreys and Scotland winger Nikki Walker in the summer, although fellow wing Miles Benjamin will leave Sixways.

Walker, 29, has not played a game since injuring his knee against Italy in August but has signed a two-year deal with Worcester.

"Nikki also has a fantastic attitude and is a real club man," coach Richard Hill told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

Benjamin, 23, has made 119 appearances for Worcester over five years.

Head coach Richard Hill said: "I have nothing but praise for Miles and what he has achieved at Sixways.

"He has come through the ranks at Warriors and has developed into one of the best wingers this club has seen in recent times.

"Replacing a player of the quality of Miles, in particular his physicality and defensive qualities, was always going to be difficult.

"But I am absolutely delighted by our recruitment of Scotland international Nikki Walker, a player who I know will bring both that physical edge and also experience to the club.

"He will embrace the culture and environment we have here at Sixways."

Walker, who stands 6ft 5ins tall and weighs almost 17st, has played for the Ospreys for the last six seasons, as well as making 24 appearances for Scotland, scoring six tries.

"We have signed a physical and explosive player with real experience who will add a huge amount to the club," Hill told BBC Hereford & Worcester.

"Nikki has played Heineken Cup and international rugby, including at a Rugby World Cup. He will bring that experience to Sixways and if we are going to move upwards, we have to bring in people who have played at the very highest level.

"He will also bring a different style to our play. At Ospreys he was used in conjunction with Shane Williams and added a real threat around the 10 channel.

"It opened up space out wide and, if he can do that at Warriors, it will allow our other wingers to exploit that room."

Walker made his international debut against Romania 10 years ago, external and was a member of their World Cup squad in 2007.