WORCESTER Rugby Club have been dealt another blow with number eight Jim Jenner signing for Premiership One Newcastle.

The 28-year-old has ended three successful seasons at Sixways by signing a one-year deal with Rob Andrew's side.

Since joining Worcester he has become a firm favourite and was the only player to start every league game last season.

He also played for England in the Commonwealth Games Sevens at Kuala Lumpur in September, 1998.

Jenner said he will miss Worcester but felt the chance to play top grade rugby was too good to miss.

"It's fantastic, a bit of a dream come true," said Jenner.

"Rob Andrew has been in touch on a regular basis and spoke to various people to get views on me.

"He got a video through yesterday, watched it and confirmed what he thought, he offered me a contract and it was signed by fax.

"I go away today for 10 days so that put the pressure on."

Jenner was offered a new deal at Worcester and despite receiving interest from both Sale and Harlequins said it was still hard to turn his back on Sixways.

"It's a real shame to leave Worcester as three years is quite a long time and I've been involved in some fantastic games since I joined," he added.

"A couple of times we had 20 game runs without being beaten, so I've had a great time and I'm sad to go but at the same time I've got a really great opportunity and I've got to have a go."

Jenner is now the twelfth player to leave Sixways since the end of the season and the club has announced just one new arrival.

But earlier this week chairman Cecil Duckworth said new signings are imminent and have only been delayed by chief executive Geoff Cooke being away on holiday.