Ex-England pick Kvesic leaves Worcester collapse behind for the URC

Former England back-rower Matt Kvesic has moved to the URC following the early-season collapse of Worcester in the Gallagher Premiership. Capped four times at Test level, the 30-year-old joined the Warriors from Exeter for the August 2020 behind-closed-doors restart of the English top flight.

He made three appearances this season for Worcester and was a try scorer against Newcastle in their final match on September 24 before they were suspended by the RFU for the remainder of the 2022/23 season.

All the Worcester players soon became free agents when the company holding their contracts came before an insolvency court and Kvesic has now become the latest to source new employment, agreeing to a deal that will see him play for Zebre Parma in the URC through to the end of the current season.

“I’m very happy and enthusiastic about embarking on this new adventure with Zebre,” he said. “I have gained appreciable experience in the Premiership and I can’t wait to play, to make myself available to the club and to help the team grow and express themselves at their best on the pitch.”

Zebre sporting director Franco Tonni added: “Johan Meyer’s long stay in hospital and the desire to give Giovanni Licata the ideal time for a perfect recovery convinced us to reinforce the back row department with the signing of Matt Kvesic. He brings with him ambition, personality and experience, everything Zebre need to continue on the path we have taken.”

A club statement read: “Zebre Parma have added quality and depth to the squad, securing the talent and solid international experience of back row Matt Kvesic. The 30-year-old has signed until the end of the season and is ready to embark on this new page of his career following the termination of the contract with the Worcester Warriors.

“On November 14, 2009, he made his debut in the first team, becoming the youngest athlete to represent the Worcester Warriors in the professional era.”