Jon Clarke: Leeds Carnegie sign Worcester Warriors centre on loan

Worcester Warriors have loaned out centre Jon Clarke to promotion-chasing Championship side Leeds Carnegie for the rest of the campaign.

The ex-England Saxons man has made 23 appearances for Worcester since signing from Northampton Saints at the start of last season, scoring a try on his debut against London Irish.

But only three of those appearances have come under new boss Dean Ryan.

Clarke, 28, is set for his Leeds debut at Plymouth Albion next weekend.

Having originally joined Northampton's academy a decade ago when his old club Bristol were relegated from the Premiership, Clarke ran in 32 tries in 165 games for the Saints.

Yorkshire-born Clarke's only start this season was in the Anglo-Welsh Cup win at Cardiff in November - the Warriors' only win in 16 matches under Ryan.

"I wasn't able to force my way in at Worcester," said Clarke. "But I am looking to show what I can do and help Leeds' drive to reach the play-offs and challenge for promotion.

"Everything is here for the club to be a success. As soon I met with James Lowes, Tommy McGee, Chris Gibson and Sir Ian McGeechan, I was impressed with the vision there is for the team over the next few years.