WORCESTER Warriors forward Carl Kirwan has dropped down two levels to join Chinnor after his release from the Sixways club.

The Durham-born 28-year-old flanker had an injury-plagued time with Warriors following his signing from London Welsh in 2015.

Kirwan was restricted to 28 Warriors career appearances including 17 Premiership games and two tries in his first two seasons with Worcester.

He will also be defensive coach at Thame-based National League One side Chinnor who have set him up with a job opportunity in construction alongside his rugby.

Director of rugby Matt Williams told the Oxford Mail: “Signing him is a coup.

“It was only in recent times that he still harboured a desire to play in the top flight but I opened dialogue with Carl just to see where his head was at.

“The opportunity of working, mixed with the opportunity to progress his coaching, was the deciding factor with not continuing in the Premiership.

“It’s well documented that Carl’s had a tough couple of years with injuries.

“But what’s exciting for us is I’m getting a fully-fit, fully-focused Premiership-quality player who has an awful lot left to give.

“Carl is also flexible in the back row — he’s equally happy playing six, seven or eight and he gives us the opportunity of having versatility.

“He’s a natural leader as well — he’s very professional and serious.”