WARRIORS have bolstered their pack with the signing of giant Welsh forward Gavin Quinnell.

The 23-year-old, who is the younger brother of former Worcester player Craig and part of one of rugby's most famous dynasties, has signed a two-year contract.

Weighing in at 130kg and standing 6ft 7ins tall, Quinnell can play in a variety of positions in both the second and back row.

He has played for Wales at under 21 level and scored five tries in just 23 appearances for Llanelli Scarlets.

"He offers us something different to what we have got," said Sixways director of rugby John Brain.

"If you look at our back-row players, they are very good players but they are all out and out back-rowers.

"He gives us a big player who can play in the back row and also slot in at lock.

"He would be the first to admit he is not the finished article. I don't think people should expect too much, too soon."

He added: "Gavin is a young player with raw talent and huge potential. It's up to both him and us to ensure that he develops into a top-class Premiership player. I see this as an exciting signing for us."

Brain has made it his policy to sign players with a point to prove and he believes Quinnell falls into that category.

"He's probably frustrated at not getting a bit more game time at Llanelli," he said. "He knows his two brothers benefited greatly from coming to play in England and I think he knows he can benefit."

Brain is set to make one more signing before the start of the new season, expected to be an international hooker.

Warriors have also made additions to their non-playing staff following the arrival of a new strength and conditioning co-ordinator and a director of sports medicine.

The former role will be filled by Keir Hansen, who has spent five years working with the New Zealand Warriors rugby league team.

He begins work with the players when they return for pre-season training on Monday.

Robert Stewart, the official physio for the 2005 British Lions tour of New Zealand, fills the position vacated by Clare Woodward.

Stewart also worked with the Scottish national team during the 2003 World Cup as well as with Glasgow Warriors.

Worcester head coach Anthony Eddy said: "We are delighted that Keir Hansen and Bob Stewart are joining the club.

"They are experts in their respective fields and I am sure their contribution to the club will be of enormous value."