Voyce has big boots to fill at Gloucester

Wasps winger/full-back Tom Voyce will grace the same turf as his great uncle after signing a three-year deal at Gloucester.

Thomas Anthony Voyce won 24 caps for England in the 1920s and was part of the first double Grand Slam winning team, and now the latter-day Voyce hopes the move to Kingsholm will reignite an international career that includes three tries from nine England caps.

The 28-year-old spent four seasons at Bath before leaving for Wasps in 2003 where he has scored 41 tries in 120 Guinness Premiership appearances.

The Cornishman said: "I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Gloucester. This move has come at exactly the right time for me in my career.

"I see this as a chance to join a club that is on the brink of something very special.

"I have huge ambitions to be successful with Gloucester and hopefully one day play for England again."

Voyce, a Heineken Cup winner in 2007, wins his 17th league appearance of the season when Wasps face Bristol tomorrow at Adams Park but he is sad to be leaving the Londoners.

He added: "I have had some fantastic experiences at Wasps and will take away some great memories.

"During my time at the club, I have played in some of the biggest games and collected some of the most coveted silverware – something that very few rugby players have had the opportunity to do. I would like to thank everyone involved at the club, especially the players, coaches and supporters who have been fantastic throughout my six years at Wasps."

Gloucester boss Dean Ryan is delighted to have secured his second major signing for next season following Nicky Robinson, as he attempts to make the Cherry and Whites a force in both the Premiership and the Heineken Cup.

"Tom is another huge signing for us for next season" said Ryan.

"His proven form and try-scoring capability will help to reinforce our attacking back line, pushing us forward.

Ryan has made five changes for the derby fixture against Worcester on Sunday (3pm).

Matthew Watkins returns at outside centre in place of Olly Barkley, so Anthony Allen will revert to his more familiar inside-centre role.

Worcester-born forward Luke Narraway replaces injured skipper Gareth Delve, who has an eye injury.

James Simpson-Daniel returns to the starting XV in place of young winger Charlie Sharples.

Worcester Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has named three former Gloucester players in the Warriors squad.

Willie Walker will line up in the 10 shirt, while Marcel Garvey will start on the wing. Hooker Chris Fortey completes the trio of former Cherry and Whites players.

Gloucester: Morgan, Balshaw, Watkins, Allen, Simpson-Daniel, Spencer. R Lawson; Wood, Azam (c), Somerville, James, Brown, Satala, Hazell, Narraway. Reps: S Lawson, Forster, Eustace, Qera, Cooper, Lamb, Barkley.