Will Chudley signs for Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors have signed experienced scrum-half Will Chudley who will arrive from Bath Rugby on a two-year contract ahead of the 2021/22 season.

Chudley, 32, has played more than 130 Premiership matches in an illustrious ten year career at the top level in England having first been recruited by Newcastle Falcons after he impressed playing for Bedford Blues against Warriors in the Championship semi-finals at Sixways in 2011.

Chudley then made more than 100 appearances for Exeter Chiefs in six years at Sandy Park and was a key member of the side that won the Premiership for the first time in 2017.

He joined Bath in 2018 and, like former England wing Chris Ashton who joined Warriors from Harlequins last week, Warriors hope that Chudley’s vast experience will accelerate the development of the youngsters in the squad at Sixways.

“We have been most fortunate to secure the services of Will, who is an experienced Premiership campaigner and a first-rate game manager,” said Warriors’ Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.

“Over and above this, he has good leadership qualities which will be invaluable as we look to take the club forward.

“Will is a quality bloke and a good team man and we all look forward to having him here at Sixways.”

Having been a thorn in the side as an opponent so often in the past, Chudley is looking forward to becoming a Warrior for the first time.

“I am looking forward to working with a really exciting coaching group. There is loads of great young talent in the Worcester ranks at the moment and hopefully I can help them on their journey. I’m sure they can help me as well,” Chudley said.

“From speaking with the coaches they are all in synch with each other and they are building something that I want to be part of and that I will enjoy.

“The brand of rugby Warriors have played this season is really exciting and I can’t wait to be part of that.

“I definitely think I will develop my game under these guys which is another massive part of the reason for becoming a Warrior.”

Chudley is Warriors’ fourth new recruit for next season and their second from Bath following tighthead prop Christian Judge. Scotland international wing Duhan van der Merwe will arrive from Edinburgh and tighthead prop Jack Owlett from Wasps.

“We talk a lot about wanting to develop our young players and for them to come through. They need good role models to accelerate that,” said Head Coach Jonathan Thomas.

“In addition to having a lot of Premiership experience, Will has leadership qualities which are going to be of huge benefit to us here.”

Chudley will also leave Bath with a glowing reference from their Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper, who said: “Chuds is a talented leader and has had a hugely positive impact on our environment here at Bath. We all wish him well for his future at Worcester.”