Ezra Taylor lasted just two minutes on his debut for the Warriors © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Richard Hill

Tournaments/Tours: Aviva Premiership

Teams: England | Worcester Warriors

Worcester Warriors have bolstered their back-row with the signing of Blair Cowan from the Cornish Pirates.

The New Zealand-born 25-year-old made 79 appearances for the Pirates and scored 26 tries in the process. He has signed a deal which will keep him at Sixways until at least 2013. Richard Hill's side have struggled with injuries in the back-row department with Pat Sanderson retiring earlier in the season, Kai Horstmann injured and short-term signing Ezra Taylor lasting just two minutes for the Warriors before picking up a season-ending injury.

And Hill is delighted to have secured his signature and claims Cowan was attracting attention from other Premiership clubs. "Blair is a very powerful man with a good rugby brain," Hill said. "We are after a strong ball carrying number eight who can make an impact for us and I know Blair is very keen to make a mark here.

"He has demonstrated during his time at Cornish Pirates that he is a real talent. I've spoken to Chris Stirling at Pirates, who has spoken very highly of him, and Sam Betty and Ben Gulliver are also keen to see him join the Warriors and the know he is the type of person who will add something to our squad.

"We are always looking at the RFU Championship for talented players. The likes of Sam Betty have come in and made a very big impression for us. Blair will join us in the coming days and he could now feature for us as early as the LV= Cup game with Saracens."

Cowan said: "I've watched the Warriors over the last few weeks and seen the fantastic results the club has achieved and the real team spirit that is clearly evident at Sixways. It's a great time to become a Warrior.

"I like to keep a track on what Sam Betty and Ben Gulliver and I was at Sixways for the Christmas game with Leicester Tigers. Although the result was not what the club wanted the atmosphere was something else and I can't wait to play in front of that passionate crowd."