IT has so far been a week of shock announcements coming out of Worcester Warriors as the latest player to leave was confirmed on Wednesday afternoon.

Number eight and in-form battering ram Sione Vailanu will leave at the end of the 2021/22 campaign to join Glasgow Warriors in the United Rugby Championship in another announcement that will come as some surprise to supporters.

Vailanu was signed on a two-year contract from Wasps by former head coach Jonathan Thomas for the 2021/22 campaign and has been one of the stars of the season so far, picking up man of the match in the recent win over Bristol Bears.

The Tongan international has been a regular in the Premiership side, making 14 appearances and scoring three tries but seems surplus to requirements under Steve Diamond and leaves a year earlier than expected.

The news comes a day after it was also revealed that scrum-half Willi Heinz will be returning home to New Zealand with immediate effect.

This is what Vailanu had to say about his move to Scotland.

“I had multiple opportunities for next season in different countries but when the opportunity arose to join Glasgow, I didn’t think twice about it,” Vailanu told the club's official website.

“Glasgow has a rich tradition of success and with Danny [Wilson] as Head Coach and the players that we currently have, I have no doubts that tradition will continue next season and beyond.

“I cannot wait to get started and meet our fans at Scotstoun!”

Glasgow head coach Danny Wilson welcomed the signing, adding: "We’re really pleased to secure Sione’s signature ahead of next season.

"He’s a really powerful carrier who can give us real go-forward with ball in hand. We’ve been looking to add to our options in the back-row, and he adds to the talent that we already have in that area. It’s another step forward in building depth in our squad.

"His recent form has been excellent for Worcester, including winning Man of the Match against Wasps, and we look forward to welcoming him to Scotstoun this summer."