DEPARTING Worcester Warriors academy lock Charlie Hewitt is joining Houston Strikers in the USA.

The 22-year-old made five first-team appearances for Worcester last season, including four in the European Challenge Cup.

The lock made his Aviva Premiership debut against Saracens in the final game of the 2015/16 campaign.

Plymouth-born Hewitt has also played for Championship outfit London Scottish in the league and British and Irish Cup.

Hewitt said: “I’m really looking forward to going to the USA and joining the Strikers.

“I’ve been in the English rugby set-up for most of my life.

"After talking at length with coach Justin Fitzpatrick I felt the opportunity to move to a totally different environment and to take on an entirely new challenge is exactly what I need.

“I can’t wait to get myself fully immersed in Strikers’ rugby and the city of Houston.”

Hewitt joined Warriors’ academy in 2015.

After coming through the ranks at Bath, he joined Exeter Chiefs’ academy and represented England at under 18 level.

Hewitt played his first senior game for Worcester against the Barbarians at Sixways in September 2015.

The Strikers are among 10 organisations in the USA signed up to the Major League Rugby group.

There are also teams in Dallas and in Austin.

Strikers head coach Justin Fitzpatrick said: “I’m excited to have Charlie join the Strikers for the upcoming season.

"Charlie is a big, athletic, modern second row and exactly the type of power player we are looking for.

“Charlie brings a wealth of experience having been a product of some of the best academy programmes in Europe and having competed in Europe’s top rugby competitions.”

Meanwhile, Warriors' Sixways ground will be hosting a summer touch rugby competition starting next month.

Teams will have an opportunity to play on the main pitch in the eight-week Summer of Touch tournament.

The competition kicks off on June 14 and will run until August 2 from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Teams will play a minimum of two matches each week.

For more details about the Summer of Touch competition, e-mail SOT@warriors.co.uk or call 01905 454183.