Andy Short: Bristol winger to rejoin Worcester Warriors

Bristol's Andy Short is a former England Under-20 international

Bristol winger Andy Short has agreed a deal to return to Championship promotion rivals Worcester Warriors.

The 23-year-old, who has scored 18 tries in 42 games since signing from Worcester in 2013, will rejoin his hometown club when his Bristol contract expires at the end of the season.

Bristol have also announced that former Wales international fly-half Nicky Robinson is to leave too.

Robinson, 33, has racked up 186 points since signing from Wasps two years ago.

"I've really enjoyed my time here," he said. "I'd like to thank the club for agreeing to release me this summer to explore other playing opportunities."

Having given notice of his intention to return to the Midlands, Short may not now be used in Bristol's remaining matches this season.

"Agreeing to join a promotion rival at such an important time of the year could serve as a distraction," said Bristol director of rugby Andy Robinson, "so we're looking to loan him out.

"We're disappointed to see Andy leave because he's worked hard to gain a regular first-team place."

Bristol's former Wales fly-half Nicky Robinson has also played for Cardiff and Gloucester

Short, who was let go by Worcester prior to Dean Ryan's appointment as director of rugby in 2013, scored nine tries in 30 appearances in his first spell at Sixways under then Warriors boss Richard Hill.

"I am delighted to be returning home," said Short. "Warriors are a club who are putting the foundations in place to ensure long-term success and the opportunity to be involved in that was something I couldn't turn down."

Ryan, who himself spent four years at Bristol, first as player, then as coach, added: "Worcester is Andy's hometown club.

"He understands the direction of it has changed significantly since he was last here. We have spoken extensively about this club becoming a destination where talented young players can grow because of the opportunities they are presented with."

Meanwhile, Worcester have been fined £1,000 and handed a suspended two-point penalty for wearing GPS tracking devices (to tell their coaching staff how far they have run during a game) in the 34-17 Championship win over London Scottish on 20 December.

The club, who breached competition rules by not informing the opposition that they were wearing them, have a fortnight to decide whether to appeal.