WORCESTER Warriors have pulled off one of their biggest signings in recent years with the acquisition of winger Thomas Lombard.

The former French international, who won 12 caps for his country between 1998 and 2001, has penned a two-year deal to become the Warriors' 10th close season signing.

It represents a massive coup for Worcester as they look to their first season in the Premiership with Lombard one of the hottest talents available on the market.

"It's a massive signing for Worcester," said head coach Andy Keast. "We're very excited about the thought of Thomas at Sixways and I think supporters will be as well.

"We are talking about a rugby talent which is undeniable. He's played 12 times for France, can play across the back line and is still at the very top of his game.

"We flew over to France recently to meet up with him and he's come over to Worcester for talks. It was important to meet him and find out about Thomas. We've always said that about players that they have to be of the right mentality and Thomas fits the bill."

Lombard has spent all of his career in Paris so far and the 28-year-old Frenchman felt it was time for a new challenge.

"That is the motivation for the switch," added Keast. "He wants a fresh challenge. He has played in the same place now for a long time and he felt the time was right to move to a different country and sample a new league."

The 6ft 2in winger, who can play at 11, 12, 13 and 14, has been part of the successful Stade Francais club and played in this season's Heineken Cup.

"He's a big man, very quick and is a great finisher," added Keast. "The fact that he can fill a number of positions was also, obviously, very attractive. We were initially very surprised that he was available and it was kept quite quiet at first so we knew we had to act quickly.

"After it became clear to everyone else he was available, there was a lot of interest so we're delighted to have him on board."

Meanwhile, fellow new signing, Clive Stuart-Smith is set to play for England on Sunday against the Barbarians at Twickenham.