WORCESTER Warriors have continued their recruitment work in New Zealand with the signing of "X-factor" Super Rugby back Melani Nanai.

Samoa-born Nanai, 25, is a member of Blues’ squad and helped Auckland win the Mitre 10 Cup last October where he played alongside Warriors lock Michael Fatialofa.

The duo will link up at Sixways next season after Nanai has completed his commitments in New Zealand.

Nanai is the fourth signing made by director of rugby Alan Solomons following the capture of Kiwi scrum-half Jono Kitto from Northland, following lock Graham Kitchener from Leicester Tigers and tighthead prop Conor Carey from Connacht.

“I am really excited about the opportunity to test myself in the Gallagher Premiership and being part of what sounds like an exciting new era for the club,” Nanai said.

“I know a couple of players at Worcester Warriors and have only heard good things. I am excited about meeting the team and working with the coaching staff at the club.

“I will be forever grateful to Auckland, the Blues and New Zealand Rugby for what they have given me since I moved to New Zealand and it will be hard leaving so many great friends, teammates and family behind.

“My wife, Bridie, and I recently got married and we are expecting our first child, so it is going to be a very big year for my family and we are really looking forward to the start of this next chapter.”

Nanai was born and raised in Samoa and played Under-20s rugby for the national team. But he has made his name in New Zealand rugby, first with Auckland, who voted him Development Player of the Year in 2014, and then with the Blues.

Nanai also played for the Barbarians in their 31-31 draw with South Africa at Wembley in November 2016.

Warriors boss Solomons said: “It is fantastic news for the club that Melani will be joining us next season.

“He is an absolutely class rugby player, who is equally at home at wing or fullback. The X- factor he brings will be invaluable to us as we move forward and our supporters are in for a real treat next season."