ITALIAN under 20s international prop Derrick Appiah has joined Worcester Warriors.

Worcester academy trio Perry Humphreys, Huw Taylor and Sam Smith have also signed new deals.

It has been a busy few days for Warriors since the arrival of new chief executive Jim O’Toole.

Appiah, who lives in Mogliano Veneto, can play at either loosehead or tighthead.

He was a regular for the Italian under 20s side during last year’s RBS Six Nations campaign, helping Italy to a 32-13 victory over Scotland.

The 20-year-old from Modena has also helped Italy to a third-place finish in Pool ‘A’ of the IRB Junior World Championship – a campaign which saw his country defeat Argentina 29-26.

Appiah has featured for Mogliano in Italy’s National Championship of Excellence and the Amlin Challenge Cup and has enjoyed spells with Parma and Modena.

Appiah said: “I want to grow as a player and I believe Warriors are the right club for me to make this step. My ultimate goal is to play international rugby and moving to Worcester is a great opportunity for me to become an even stronger player.”

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan is preparing his table-topping troops for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham in the Greene King IPA Championship (3pm).

He has also secured the futures of versatile back Humphreys, second-row or back-row Taylor and flanker Smith.

Humphreys made his Championship debut in October’s victory at Rotherham and was a regular in the Cavaliers side which reached the Aviva A-League final.

Humphreys, 20, said: “It was amazing to make my Championship debut this season and my try against Moseley was also a major highlight for me.”

Taylor has made four first-team appearances for Warriors this season and was named in the England under 20 elite player squad before Christmas. Taylor, 18, said: “I’ve been working closely with the coaches this season and I feel their support has been key to my England recognition so I jumped at the chance to sign a new contract.

“I firmly believe this club is the best place to be to develop as a player and experience success.”

Flanker Smith, who has featured for the Cavaliers, is also seen as an exciting talent and has represented England at under 18 level. Ryan said: “We now have the structures in place to nurture young talent and maximise their potential.

“I am delighted to see these players committing to the journey this club is undertaking.”

Meanwhile, Warriors’ British and Irish Cup semi-final against holders Leinster ‘A’ at Sixways will take place on Friday, March 13 (7.45pm).

Leinster ‘A’ have won the cup competition for the past two campaigns.

The final will be held at the home of the winner of the other semi-final between Doncaster Knights and Bristol.