WORCESTER Warriors back rower Zac Xiourouppa has joined Cornish Pirates on a dual registration deal for the remainder of the 2018-19 season.

The 20-year-old forward, who spent three months playing rugby in New Zealand over the summer, has already linked up with the Greene King IPA Championship table-toppers and will be available for selection immediately.

Xiourouppa progressed through the ranks at Warriors from the age of 14 and represented England at under 16 level before captaining the under 17s.

He made his full Warriors debut against Enisei-STM in the European Challenge Cup in 2016, before featuring against Brive at Sixways a week later but he missed the entire 2017-18 campaign due to a foot problem.

Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “Zac has unfortunately missed a lot of rugby through a series of injuries. This move will allow him to get much-needed game time at a good level of rugby.”

Pirates' co-coach Alan Paver added: "Zac has suffered a few injuries however he has now got his body right back to where it needs to be and to continue his development Worcester feel the Pirates is the best place for him.

"Being a hungry and talented young man, he is a player we are really pleased to welcome to our pack."