Osprey Nikki Walker signs for Worcester Warriors

Nikki Walker has made 103 appearances for the Ospreys

Ospreys wing Nikki Walker has confirmed he will join Worcester Warriors at the end of the season.

The 29-year-old Scot has agreed a switch to the Aviva Premiership side after six years at the Liberty Stadium.

"My six years at the Ospreys have been the best of my career and I'm sad to be moving on," he said.

"But after 10 years playing in the Celtic League I feel that the time is right for me to try a fresh challenge in England."

Walker, who has been capped 24 times by Scotland, joined the Ospreys from Borders in the summer of 2006 and has so far made 103 appearances for the region, scoring 37 tries.

He brought up 100 games against Newport Gwent Dragons in April last year.

Worcester head coach Richard Hill said: "We have signed a physical and explosive player with real experience who will add a huge amount to the club.

"We are striving to improve our squad and so we're delighted to have an international player of Nikki's pedigree coming in.

"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."

With Shane Williams due to retire at the end of the season and Tommy Bowe linked with a return to Ulster Walker would be the third wing to leave the Ospreys.

And Walker is added to a growing list of players the region have lost a host of big-name players in the last 18 months, although prop Adam Jones has signed a fresh two-year contract.

At the end of the season Wales will lose hooker Huw Bennett to Lyon, Tom Smith to London Irish and Walker.

Last season forwards Jerry Collins, Lee Byrne also left to join French clubs.

Scrum-half Phillips joined Bayonne, fly-half Hook signed for Perpignan and full-back Byrne moved to Clermont Auvergne - and Bennett is to join his fellow Wales team-mates in France by joining Lyon in the summer.

During his time with the Ospreys, Walker has won two Celtic League titles as well as appearing at consecutive EDF Energy Cup Finals against Leicester Tigers at Twickenham, and featured in the win over Australia.

"Everybody at the Ospreys have always been fantastic to me, particularly over the last year while I've been injured," added the Scot.

"The medical team, coaches and management have been great, while the fans have always given me their full support.

"I'll leave the Ospreys with so many happy memories, and I'd like to thank everybody for always making me feel at home during my time with the region."

He has yet to feature this season for the Ospreys after suffering an ACL injury on international duty last August, ruling him out of the Rugby World Cup, but is nearing a return to full fitness.