Cornish Pirates

Bristol

Exeter Chiefs have signed Luke Arscott and James Phillips from Bristol as head coach Rob Baxter continues to assemble his squad for the Premiership.

Full-back Arscott, 25, played for Exeter's colts and made six first team appearances as a teenager, scoring one try, before playing for Plymouth Albion and then Bristol.
Phillips, 22, progressed through Bristol's academy and made 41 appearances for his hometown club. He can play in the back row and at lock.

They take the number of new signings made by Baxter to six, following confirmation that Ryan Davis, Andrew Higgins, Chris Whitehead and Jon Vickers have agreed to move to Sandy Park.

Baxter thinks both Arscott and Phillips can improve their play with the Chiefs as the club prepare for their first season in the top flight.

"Luke's exactly the right age for us at 25," said Baxter. "It seems like he's been around for a long time but you have to remember that when he was at Exeter he was only 18.

"While he has Premiership experience he has still got a lot to give, that was important to us. There are still things he can improve.

"He is still very ambitious, very keen and desperate to be playing in the Premiership."

Baxter added: "I watched a lot of James over the course of last season as I analysed a lot of Championship games. He was a very good ball carrier and I think there are areas where we can improve his game.

"He was upset at what happened to Bristol and that's only right, I don't want him to forget the impact Bristol have had on his rugby career, but he is now committed to Exeter and wants to play well for Exeter."

Meanwhile Bristol’s impressive back-rower Ian Grieve has also admitted that he may have to leave the Memorial Ground in the face of drastic pay-cuts at the club.

He told the Bristol Evening Post: “I would love to stay at the club – but I don't know if that's still possible."

The 23 year-old continued: “It's a tough market and a hard time to find another club. All you can do is ask your agent to have a look around, but it's looking like a bit of a struggle. Plus, the position I play is not specific like a hooker or a scrum-half, so that makes it even tougher."

Full story www.thisisbristol.co.uk

Moseley

Moseley have announced five new signings for the 2010/11 RFU Championship season. After a fifth consecutive year of improvement, Head Coach Ian Smith has targeted key positions for strengthening through directly contracted players who provide a combination of experience and potential.

Brad Davies, former England U21 and Barbarians fly half, will bring competition to the No 10 shirt as well as wide experience gained most recently at Bedford and prior to that also at Gloucester. Davies's ability to play centre and his reliable goal kicking provides options for next season and he will contest the fly half position with returning South African Andy Borgen who can also play at inside centre or full back.

Anthony Carter is an experienced Welsh 7's player and a full back with proven Championship credentials. This signing is another indication of the club's determination to match a dominating pack with the pace and experience in the backs. Anthony has had two seasons as a full time player with Doncaster after moving across South Yorkshire from Rotherham.

The forwards, acknowledged as one of the most formidable in the Championship last season, are strengthened by three signings.

Moseley supporters will recognise and welcome the signature of No 8/No.6 Dan Williams who impressed during earlier spells with the club as a dual registered Moseley/Gloucester player. He played for Moseley in the EDF Trophy final at Twickenham.

His stats and performances in red and black speak for themselves and he will ensure yet again that Moseley has a highly competitive back row.

Dan's ability to play lock provides flexibility and cover in that position also George Warner is a talented hooker who has come through the highly rated Leeds Academy system making his Premiership debut against Leicester in 2009.

Last season he retained match fitness playing at Otley in National League One with excellent reviews and comes to Billesley to challenge stalwart Adam Caves for the No. 2 shirt.

Well regarded prop Craig Voisey, currently on tour in Canada with the England Counties XV, joins from Rotherham and will be known to Moseley supporters. He enhances an already strong area of the squad and will provide additional options for the coaches.

Coach Ian Smith commented "We delighted with the acquisition of these players who will strengthen the squad in some key areas. This is only the start as further signings are to be announced shortly".

Esher

Mike Schmid has further strengthened his Esher side for the coming season with the announcement of five new signings – three of them from Plymouth Albion.

As expected back row James Waterhouse rejoins the Surrey club whilst flanker Darren Clayton and utility back Geoff Griffiths have also signed.

Tighthead prop Ricky Nebbett joins the club after a two year spell in Italy playing for Parma whilst lock Mike Rudzki, a team mate of Nebbett at Harlequins, has made the move from Cambridge.

Full story /www.esherrugby.com

Griffiths told the Plymouth Herald: “I have really enjoyed my two years at Plymouth. I came straight from university into full-time rugby and I learned a lot from Graham Dawe and Nat Saumi.

"Obviously, my dream is still to get into the Premiership, but I think dropping down to a part-time environment may help me.

"Hopefully, I can stay fresher and pursue a career outside rugby and earn more money. I am now 24 and I left university two years ago but I have not been using my degree. I think it's time to get real and earn a bit of money.

"And London suits me. Not only is there more opportunities but it is only one hour from home.

"My girlfriend lives in Northampton so that is another plus. I just think London is the place to be and Esher are a well-connected club."

Full story www.thisisplymouth.co.uk

Worcester Warriors

Richard Hill has signed Spanish international wing Oriol Ripol from Sale Sharks as he builds for his first taste of Championship rugby.

The 34 year-old Catalan began his career at Rotherham Titans before moving on to Northampton Saints and then the Sharks.

Speaking of his latest capture Hill told the Worcester News: “Oriol has great experience from his time in the top-flight and is a proven finisher at the highest level. He has a great step, offers real pace and is always in the right place at the right time.

“He is a real quality addition to the squad who wants to be part of the club and has a fantastic attitude to making his mark and getting the Warriors promoted.”

Full story www.worcesternews.co.uk

Rotherham Titans

Richard Hill has signed Spanish international wing Oriol Ripol from Sale Sharks as he builds for his first taste of Championship rugby.

The 34 year-old Catalan began his career at Rotherham Titans before moving on to Northampton Saints and then the Sharks.

Speaking of his latest capture Hill told the Worcester News: “Oriol has great experience from his time in the top-flight and is a proven finisher at the highest level. He has a great step, offers real pace and is always in the right place at the right time.

“He is a real quality addition to the squad who wants to be part of the club and has a fantastic attitude to making his mark and getting the Warriors promoted.”

Full story www.worcesternews.co.uk

Rotherham Titans

The Titans have snapped up Argentine outside half Juan Pablo Socino from Welsh Premiership side Tonmawr.

Socino can also play at centre and has represented his country at Under 19 and Under 20 levels.

Story /www.rotherhamrugby.co.uk