WORCESTER Warriors have announced the signing of Scotland international and British & Irish Lions prop Euan Murray.

The front row star - who has made 47 appearances for Scotland - is widely regarded as one of the most fearsome and talented props in European rugby and will make the move to Sixways next month from Newcastle Falcons.

Murray has vast experience in the Aviva Premiership having enjoyed successful playing spells at both Northampton Saints and the Falcons.

The Glasgow-born prop - who stands 6ft 1in and weighs 18st 8lbs - has spent the last two months on loan at French Top 14 outfit Agen.

The 32-year-old has also impressed on the international stage and been a cornerstone of the Scotland pack since making his debut against Romania in Bucharest in 2005.

Murray’s outstanding performances earned him a place on the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa in 2009 and he featured for Scotland in both the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups.

Corin Palmer, rugby operations director at Warriors, said: “We are very pleased to be able to sign a player of both the pedigree and talent of Euan Murray.

“He is looking forward to working with the players and coaching team we have assembled, in particular Phil Vickery who he toured with for the British & Irish Lions, and embracing the style of rugby we are looking to promote at Sixways.”

With Tevita Taumoepeau currently ruled out through injury, head coach Richard Hill said it was crucial to bring in another quality tighthead prop.

“John Andress, James Currie and Rob O’Donnell are all making big strides for us and we are naturally delighted to be able to sign a player of the quality of Euan Murray,” said Hill.

Murray spoke passionately about the reasons behind this decision to make the switch to Sixways next month and pinpointed the club’s structure, ambition and direction as crucial to his move.

“I looked at the ambition at Warriors and it’s important to go somewhere where the set-up is right and everything is geared in the right direction - to bring success to the club.

“It’s always been a difficult place to go as a player, so it will be nice to have the fans right behind me and it will definitely be a more enjoyable experience. I’m looking forward to getting out in front of the fans and showing what I can do.

“There is a big fan base and great facilities. The support the Warriors have had has always impressed me and it would be good to give the fans what they all want.”