Black signs for Worcester
June 01 2009
Worcester have announced the signing of powerhouse veteran prop Adam Black, who joins from Magners League outfit the Dragons.
The 34-year-old, who is the Welsh region's appearance record-holder, has signed a two-year contract that will keep him at Sixways until at least 2011 and reunite him with former boss Mike Ruddock.
Ruddock previously brought crowd favourite Black from Sale to Ebbw Vale and offered him a deal with the Dragons when Welsh rugby went regional six years ago. The loosehead became the first player in the history of Celtic League rugby to reach 100 appearances and the first Dragon to rack up a century in all competitions.
"I'm delighted to be hooking up with Adam Black once again. I originally worked with him at Ebbw Vale before nominating him for a regional contract when they first appeared in Wales as a member of the Newport Gwent Dragons," said Ruddock.
"Adam has since gone on to become the record appearance holder at the Dragons and week in and week out he has performed to a high level and been ultra consistent throughout his career with them. He is a very powerful scrummager, very experienced and very useful with his ball in his hands.
"I know he will make a great addition to our squad and his experience and his ability to score tries, he scored two in the recent Heineken Cup play off against Calvisano, mark him out as a very valuable signing.
"Adam has also had experience on both sides of the scrum which could be useful, although we are hoping that we don't have to use him too often on the tight-head side. We wish Adam every success in his Worcester Warriors career and look forward to him joining up with the club for pre-season training."
Black added that the fresh challenge in the latter stages of his playing career was key and he's looking forward to once again working under Ruddock, this time at the Warriors.
"I have been playing Magners League rugby now for six years, but his was an opportunity to come back and one I couldn't pass up. This is the chance to get back into the Guinness Premiership and work under Mike Ruddock once again - it is something I am relishing," he said.
"Mike was really good for me when I came to Wales. I'm from London originally and I turned up at Wales and didn't know anyone or anything. Mike and his wife were both really welcoming and made me feel at home, showed me around the place and helped me settle in really well.
"The chance to play in the Guinness Premiership again really excites me. The way that the league is marketed and run makes me want to be a part of it. As a player I feel I am a better player now, I have the experience that I know can help Worcester along.
"It's great if I can come and help young players like Matt Mullan and Callum Black, anything that I can pass onto these boys I will gladly do. But the main reason I am signing is that I am coming to play rugby and be first choice. I want to bring success to the club, I have lots of rugby left in me and that is why I am relishing the chance to join and be part of the Worcester story."