Worcester Warriors: Darren Barry signs from Cornish Pirates

Darren Barry has racked up 81 first-team appearances during his three seasons with Cornish Pirates

Worcester Warriors have signed lock forward Darren Barry from fellow Championship side Cornish Pirates.

The 6 ft 6 ins 25-year-old ex-Bristol player will arrive at Sixways this summer, in time for the 2015-16 season, when the promotion-chasing Warriors hope to be back in the Premiership.

"We are continuing to build a side which is capable of growing every season," said boss Dean Ryan.

"And we're delighted to welcome Darren. He has excelled in the Championship."

Barry has already appeared at Sixways twice this season, for the Pirates in their 62-16 Championship defeat in January - Worcester's biggest win of the season - and for the Championship XV in their victory over Canada, and had been tipped for a move to a Premiership club.

"I have no doubt Warriors have an exciting future in the Premiership," said the second row, who has signed an unspecified-length contract.

"I cannot wait to continue my rugby development at Sixways. Warriors are a club who have progressed rapidly and are continuing to move in the right direction."

Warriors are currently second in the Championship, with four matches to go before the play-offs, five places and 42 points clear of the Pirates, who are nevertheless still in contention for a top-four finish.