Worcester legend Kvesic first signing of rebuild

Matt Kvesic made more than 160 appearances for Worcester across two previous spells

Worcester Warriors have made club legend Matt Kvesic the first signing of their new era as they prepare for a return to professional rugby in the Championship next season.

The 33-year-old played for Warriors for four years between 2009-13 before stints with Gloucester and Exeter Chiefs. He returned to the club in 2020 and made more than 100 appearances before they went into administration.

Kvesic, who has four England caps, said he was delighted to be rejoining Warriors for the club's rebuild, calling the decision a "no-brainer".

"I'm exceptionally excited to be back at a club which means so much to me, the place that gave me an opportunity as a 16 or 17-year-old," he told the club website.

The Warriors have been granted permission to rejoin the professional ranks in the second tier after new owners took control of the club last year following their suspension in September 2022 over funding issues that led to administration.

And now 24 hours after naming Matt Everard as their new head coach in the expanded 14-team Championship next season, the club announced Kvesic as their their first signing.

"It was a no-brainer to be part of what [the club] are building and I am here to support them on and off the field. I know there's a huge desire for professional rugby to be back in the city," Kvesic said.

"I want to be a part of their journey back to top flight rugby, albeit slightly older and hopefully wiser."

Worcester said Kvesic would be the first of "several major player signings" as part of the club's new chapter.

Everard said he was "delighted" with the capture of Kvesic.

''Matt is a massive part of Worcester Warriors, and Worcester Warriors is a massive part of Matt. He is someone who knows and cares about the club, the city, and the fans.

"But not only that, he is a top-quality player who has been in environments that have won big competitions and big games. He knows what it takes to win," he added.

After leaving Worcester in 2022 Kvesic signed for Italian club Zebre and played there for one season, followed by two seasons with Coventry in the Championship.