WORCESTER have beefed up their pack with the signing of Emiliano Bergamaschi.

The Argentinian prop, who has previous Premiership experience with Bristol and Saracens, has signed a two-year deal at Sixways.

The Warriors' pack earned rave reviews in their maiden top-flight season and the signing of the 20-stone prop looks set to give them even more power up front.

Bergamaschi can cover both sides of the scrum and, after the retirement of club stalwart Neil Lyman, the one-time capped Argentine will be a key player next season.

Worcester's director of rugby John Brain was under no doubt that the signing was another significant step forward in their development.

"We want to strengthen the forward pack and the signing of Bergamaschi is important because he is exactly the type of player that we want at Sixways," he said.

"He's a strong man, a good scrummager, has Premiership experience and is a confrontational character. He returned to Argentina last season after leaving Saracens but I think he was always looking to come back into the English game.

"He's a big, powerful man who is capable of playing both sides of the scrum -- Emiliano is exactly what we need."

The 29-year-old, who holds an Italian passport, is the second front-row addition for next season after the signing of Gloucester hooker Chris Fortey and Brain believes the duo can give Worcester that extra aggression.

"We need those types of characters who can play on the edge," he said. "Chris Fortey is like that and Bergamaschi is the same. They are confrontational players who will bring aggression onto the field.

"It's also important for us to have depth in that area. Our tighthead Neil Lyman is retiring, so we need to strengthen and Bergamaschi has played both loosehead and tighthead in the Premiership. He is a quality player and will move us forward again next season."

Along with Bergamaschi and Fortey, Worcester have also brought in Shane Drahm, Andy Gomarsall and Nicolas Le Roux.