WORCESTER Rugby Club have pulled off a stunning signing with the acquisition of Canadian international Winston Stanley.

The winger has been released by Leicester Tigers after they decided to add to their non-EU contingent this summer, leaving Stanley with little prospect of first-team rugby.

Canada's all-time try-scoring king had a number of Premiership offers following his departure from the European champions, but has decided to join Worcester's promotion bid next season.

The 26-year-old is the latest and most impressive signing yet for Cecil Duckworth's club who are determined to banish the memory of last season with an influx of top-class players.

Stanley, who has won 46 caps, played a prominent role last season for the Tigers in their treble success, making 26 appearances and scoring eight tries.

However, with Leicester looking to bring in another player requiring a work permit, the omens did not look good for Stanley and he decided to move on.

Worcester's chief executive Geoff Cooke was in no doubt that this signing signalled the club's determination to finally make it into the big time.

He said: "Winston is a top-class player who is a major signing for us and shows that we are really going places. Any club would want that calibre of player and we are delighted to have him."

Cooke believes Worcester are at last able to attract the bigger names because the protracted argument over relegation and promotion to the top flight was settled at the end of last season.

Stanley's signing is subject to a successful work permit application but if Worcester get the green light, he will join up with the squad once his international commitments are over at the end of July.