Bok flank becomes a Warrior
The powerful forward joins up with his new teammates immediately ahead of Saturday's clash with Bath at Sixways.
Potgieter has a decorated history in his native South Africa, having won two consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Bulls in 2009 and 2010, amassing 70 appearances for the Pretoria-based side.
The flank's Super Rugby success coincided with him making six international appearances for South Africa, bagging a try against Wales at the Millenium Stadium in June 2010.
He also captained the Emerging Springboks against the British & Irish Lions in 2009 – where he came up against Ireland legend and current Warriors lock Donncha O'Callaghan.
The 28-year-old was also part of provincial side the Blue Bulls, scoring ten tries in 65 appearances as they won the 2009 Currie Cup title and 2008 and 2010 Vodacom Cup crowns.
Since 2013, Potgieter has been plying his trade in Japan for Yamaha Jubilo, reaching the Final of the Top League competition in 2014/15 and winning the LIXIL Cup for the first time in the club's history during the same season.
In the 2015/16 Top League campaign, the forward helped his side top their pool before they went on to claim third place in the competition after losing in the semifinals.
"I'm really excited about a new challenge in England with Warriors," said Potgieter.
"Dean Ryan is building something really unique at Worcester and it's something that really appealed to me.
"I can't wait to get started and to try and earn the respect of my teammates and hopefully I can add something to the squad."
Warriors Director of Rugby Ryan added: "Dewald is a talented flanker with a wealth of experience at the top level from his time in Super Rugby.
"He has played with and against some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere and his inclusion in the back row will be of huge benefit to the pack."
