FORMER London Irish tighthead prop Richard Palframan will join Worcester Warriors ahead of the 2019-20 season.

The 25-year-old front rower will arrive at Sixways from Greene King IPA Championship club London Scottish this summer on an undisclosed deal.

He will be returning to the Gallagher Premiership after a one-season absence having previously played in the top flight for London Irish.

“I am really excited to be given the opportunity to join Worcester,” Palframan said.

“It’s a great club with such passionate supporters, a great group of players and quality coaching staff.

“I can’t wait to join up with the squad and I’m looking forward to contributing to the club’s future.”

Palframan began his career in his native South Africa where he was educated at Rondebosch High School in Cape Town and he played under 19s rugby for Natal Sharks.

He came to England in 2012 and joined the London Irish academy as an 18-year-old and learned his trade under the tutelage of Ben Franks, a double World Cup winner with New Zealand.

Boss Alan Solomons said: “Rich is a strong scrummaging, mobile tighthead prop who will add huge value when he joins us at Sixways next season. “I look forward to working with him.”

Palframan is the third new signing announced by Warriors in the past week after Blues hooker Matt Moulds and Ulster back-row forward Caleb Montgomery.

Solomons has also brought lock Graham Kitchener back to Sixways from Leicester Tigers and recruited wing Melani Nanai from Blues, tighthead prop Conor Carey from Connacht, scrum-half Jono Kitto from Northland and Samoa international wing Ed Fidow from French Pro D2 club Provence.