LOOSEHEAD prop Val Rapava Ruskin will leave Worcester Warriors at the end of the season to join local rivals Gloucester.

The Georgian-born front row forward has made 56 appearances for Warriors since joining the club in 2014 and been a key figure this season.

His switch to the Cherry and Whites will be a big blow to Worcester, who are just one point and one place above the drop zone in the Aviva Premiership.

But head coach Carl Hogg insisted Rapava Ruskin would “continue to wear the shirt with pride” as they continue their quest for survival.

"Val has been an important member of our squad over the last few years and will continue to wear the Warriors shirt with pride and work hard to ensure we reach our targets during the rest of the campaign,” he said.

“We wish him all the best at Gloucester."

Rapava Ruskin said: "When I left Toulon, Warriors were the team who saw my potential and gave me the opportunity to play in the Premiership.

"I would like to thank Carl for mentoring me throughout my three years at the Club and developing me from an A League player into a starting Premiership loosehead.

"Next season is something I'm not thinking about at the moment. My focus now is on developing further, playing well for Warriors and giving my all for my teammates and the club.

"Sixways is a great place for players to develop their game and reach their potential and I wish the club all the best for the future."

Rapava Ruskin arrived in the UK when he was two years old. He grew up in London and played for Blackheath as a junior before moving to South Africa where he turned out for Western Province's U19 squad.

He was capped by Georgia U19s and then had stints with Saracens and Toulon before arriving at Sixways ahead of the 2014-15 season.

Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys admitted Rapava Ruskin's signing is a big statement of intent for his team, who have also recruited tighthead prop Fraser Balmain from Leicester Tigers for next season.

"To build a successful team at the highest level a strong set-piece is crucial and, with Val joining us next season, we believe we've signed one of the most dominant young front row forwards in the game,” Humphreys said.

“Together with the signing of Fraser, we have recruited two players who we believe will give us really competitive options across the front row over the next few seasons.

"Throughout our discussions, Val has made no secret of his desire to play international rugby for England but knows that success in a Gloucester shirt is the key to achieving his ambition.

"We've already experienced first-hand in games this season against Worcester what a handful Val can be in both the set-piece and general play, and I'm delighted we're adding another quality player to the Gloucester squad for next season."

Rapava Ruskin added: "It's a huge honour and opportunity for me to sign for Gloucester.

"I know what a tradition the club has of producing strong forward packs and I'm looking forward to being part of an exciting group.

"I'm determined to work hard and help Gloucester to achieve their goal of winning titles again, whilst hopefully achieving my goals of playing international rugby."