Bath Rugby’s Senior Academy prop, Kieran Verden, will head out on loan with immediate effect to Gallagher Premiership rivals Worcester Warriors on a short-term deal.
Verden, who made his Bath Rugby senior debut in the 40-15 win against Warriors back in September, will head up the M5 in search of valuable game time as he looks to further develop himself.
Worcester Warriors have been in search of some cover at tighthead, so the deal will come as a great opportunity for the 22-year-old to further develop himself and learn the game at the highest level.
The goal of the Club is to have a 50% homegrown squad by 2023 and although this is one of our pathway players being loaned out, the COVID-19 Pandemic has caused a lot of disruption and has proved difficult for our younger players to get the game time they need to help further develop them. Therefore, with this short deal, it gives Verden a chance to prove himself in the topflight, which he will then bring that experience back to the Club.
Verden trained at Sixways yesterday and is expected to be included in the matchday squad for Warriors' European Challenge Cup match against Pau at the Stade du Hameau on Saturday.
On loaning Verden out to a Premiership rival, Director of Rugby, Stuart Hooper said: “Kieran is a brilliant individual who works extremely hard and has been outstanding in setting standards within our squad. He is a big part of our future at Bath Rugby and this move is a huge opportunity for him to gain some more experience at the top of the English game.
“COVID-19 has caused a lot of issues, one of those being playing time for our younger players. We have been looking for alternatives to get these players some game time to aid their development and we see this as one of those for Kieran.”
