WORCESTER Rugby Club have strengthened their promotion bid with the signing of former New Zealand under-19 international Richard Jarman.

Scrum-half Jarman will put pen to paper at Sixways as soon as his season finishes Down Under with Clifton Seniors to add further fire-power to Adrian Skeggs' squad.

The Kiwi, who holds a British passport, flies into England on October 11 to complete the move and immediately put pressure on Chris Simpson-Daniel and Ricky Pellow for a first-team spot.

The 28-year-old has played for New Zealand's under 17s and under 19s but has yet to win a full cap for the All Blacks. However, after starring for the Wellington Hurricanes in the Super 12 series and enjoying a distinguished career as Clifton club captain, Jarman is ready to move on.

He has already played against the British Lions, South Africa, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Argentina for provincial side Taranaki and has been

Skeggs said: "He will be a key player for us this season because he is used to playing a higher level of rugby.

Jarman was voted best defensive player for Taranaki for two years in succession so he will bring that extra organsiational ability with him."

He added: "This guy has a real dogged character and is the type of player I want at Sixways. When I talk about my players being mentally tough, well Jarman is totally there."

Jarman is one of only three Taranaki players to beat the mighty Auckland for three years in succession between 1996 and 1998. And Skeggs has no doubts of Jarman's ability.

He said: "He will make a difference here and toughen us up.

"In the winter, when it gets wet he will be used to the conditions and his ability in the rucks and mauls will be vital to us."

Jarman could make his debut against Wakefield in the next Sixways clash on October 14 but is more likely to figure in the Tetley Bitter Cup third round clash at Moseley a week later.