LOOSEHEAD prop Jack Cosgrove has returned to Worcester Warriors after agreeing to joining from Gallagher Premiership rivals Bristol Bears.

The 24-year-old front rower is a product of Warriors' academy and was capped by Scotland at under 20 level during his first spell at Sixways.

Cosgrove made his first-team debut off the replacements' bench against Sale Sharks in the LV= Cup in 2014 but left at the end of the 2014-15 season to join Edinburgh.

After two years with the Scottish club Cosgrove made the move to Bristol in the summer of 2017 ahead of their Greene King IPA Championship-winning campaign.

But he has made just one appearance for Bristol in this season’s Gallagher Premiership and has been recruited by Warriors on an initial contract to the end of the season.

Cosgrove will help to fill the gap left by Ryan Bower who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season by an Achilles tendon injury.

Coventry-born Cosgrove has been registered by Warriors for their European Challenge Cup campaign with Bower being de-registered.

Lock Michael Fatialofa, who joined Warriors from Auckland recently, has also been registered for European rugby with Scotland international back row Cornell du Preez being de-registered.

Bristol confirmed Cosgrove had left by mutual constent in a bid to pursue first-team opportunities.

Head coach Pat Lam said: “Jac was keen to get some regular game-time and we fully support his decision.

“We couldn’t guarantee Jack as many minutes as he needs, so he’s moved on with our best wishes.

“On behalf of Bristol Bears, we thank Jack for his contribution and for the role he played in helping the team achieve promotion last season.”