Worcester sign Mieres and Creevy
25-year-old fly-half Mieres had a year left on his contract with Exeter but was allowed to leave by Rob Baxter as he aims to become a regular member of the Pumas set-up.
He has fallen behind Irishman Gareth Steenson in the fly-half pecking order at the Chiefs this season and is looking to get more game time to fulfil his international ambitions.
Baxter said: “Nacho (Mieres) is wanting to play more rugby, get more starts, and right now he is feeling that will happen more often at another club.
“What we have at the moment is a guy who is very passionate about playing – and he is desperate to play more for Argentina. I think because of those factors, he feels he now wants to go somewhere where he is going to start regularly and put himself in the shop window to get the best opportunity to play international rugby.
“It is a shame, of course but as a club we’re not going to be awkward and stand in his way, especially with the fact he feels he would like to go somewhere else.”
Meanwhile, Warriors head coach Richard Hill welcomed the news with much enthusiasm.
“Ignacio is a superb goal kicker with a very high percentage of success who is very ambitious and keen to join us,” said Hill.
“Last season he started the vast majority of games for Exeter as they were very successful and secured a top six finish and with it Heineken Cup rugby.
“He is a tall and athletic outside half who attacks the line with real pace and strength. He will kick goals from everywhere and is a very good all-round player.
“When we have played Exeter we have never looked at the ten channel as a defensive weakness because he is so strong defensively too.”
Earlier this morning, the Warriors also announced the arrival of Mieres’ countryman Augustin Creevy who join from Top14 side Montpellier.
27-year-old hooker Creevy, who has won 22 caps for his country, has now turned down other offers from both Top14 and Premierhsip clubs to make the switch this summer and join Warriors.
Creevy also captained Argentina when they played Warriors in a friendly at Sixways on the eve of the Rugby World Cup in 2011, where he featured in all five games for the Pumas.
Hill said: “Agustin is a quality international player who will add real strength in depth and power to the pack of forwards we are building here at Warriors.
“I really like the way he plays the game and the clear ball carrying ability he possesses. He will help us continue to develop our attacking game and has played some lovely stuff at Montpellier this season.
“Agustin is clearly very comfortable with the ball in hand and has very strong offloading skills. His ability in contact is excellent.”
“We have signed a very passionate rugby player whose attitude and dedication is superb. I am sure he will be a big asset for the Warriors as we plan for the future.”
Creevy said: “The chance to play in England is something that was always my intention, in fact I have previously had two opportunities, but the time was not right.
“I have recently had many offers from clubs in France and England, but decided the time was now right to experience the culture and play in the Aviva Premiership. I spoke with several clubs, but after my conversation with Richard Hill I decided Worcester was the club.
“I was very aware of the magnificent facilities in Worcester as I captained Argentina at Worcester in a pre-World Cup friendly in 2011 and all the squad was impressed with the stadium and also the very good support from its fans.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time in France playing with very successful clubs at Biarritz and Montpellier. During this time in the Top 14 have played many English teams in European competition’s and have always been impressed with the standards of clubs and play.
“I am delighted to now come to England with a new wife, excited in exploring a new culture and playing as a Worcester Warrior.”
Mieres and Creevy bring the numbers of new players for next season to four with Pumas back row Leonardo Sanatore and Paul Warwick also agreeing terms in recent weeks.
