GIANT lock Darren Barry will be joining Worcester Warriors from Championship rivals Cornish Pirates in the summer.

The 6ft 6in former Bristol player has been a regular for the Pirates during his three seasons at the club and has racked up 81 first-team appearances.

Bristol-born Barry has appeared at Sixways this season both for Cornish Pirates in January’s Greene King IPA Championship match against Warriors as well as for the Championship XV in their victory over Canada.

The 25-year-old said: “I am delighted to be making to move to Warriors as they are a club which have progressed rapidly and are continuing to move in the right direction.

“I have no doubt Warriors have an exciting future in the Premiership and I cannot wait to continue my rugby development at Sixways.”

Before his move to Cornish Pirates Barry made 60 appearances for Bristol in all competitions, including the Aviva A League.

He previously captained Filton College to the National Schools' Rugby Festival and also enjoyed a loan spell at Clifton.

Warriors director of rugby Dean Ryan said: “Darren has excelled in the Championship and has demonstrated an ability to continue his progression in the right environment.

“We are continuing to build a side which is capable of growing every season and we are delighted to welcome Darren into that.”