International experience added as outbound quartet confirmed

The Pacific Islander's explosive on-field approach has earned him cult status at Sixways, playing 168 games and scoring 23 tries since his arrival in 2006, and with whom he reached the final and semi-final of the European Challenge Cup in 2008 and 2009.

On top of six seasons in England's top flight, he arrives with four seasons of Super Rugby experience with the Chiefs and 40 caps for his country - the most recent earned in the 2011 Rugby World Cup victory (19-14) over eventual runners-up France on his second Cup campaign.

The front-rower is famed for being a talismanic figure for a nation renowned for their physicality, an attribute which interim head coach Stevie Scott believes make him a welcome addition to the squad.

-- Aleki Lutui (34): DOB - 1 July 1978 ?(in Tofua, Tonga), height - 6ft (1.83m)?, weight - 17st 5lbs (110 kg).

He said: "Aleki is a great signing for Edinburgh Rugby and I'm sure he'll prove to be as popular with our fans as he's been with clubs throughout his career.

"He's a top international player with a wealth of experience, and has been one the top performers in the Premiership.

"He's a big, aggressive ball carrier in excellent condition and, being Tongan, he likes the physical side of the game, which will be a huge asset to the club for the coming seasons."

The career of the former police officer took flight from New Zealand provincial side Bay of Plenty in 2002, where one season was enough to catch the eye of provincial scouts and progress into Super Rugby.

After ten seasons in two of the world's toughest rugby competitions, Lutui is looking forward to a new challenge against the Celts of the RaboDirect PRO12.

He said: "I loved my time in Worcester and would like to thank the fans who were so supportive of me in my time there, but I'm very happy to have signed for Edinburgh Rugby and can't wait to join up with the squad and get started.

"It's a big change for me after seven years in Worcester but I'm really looking forward to experiencing a new championship.

"I've watched a lot of the PRO12 and the teams are among the biggest in European rugby. I can't wait for this new challenge and to contribute to Edinburgh Rugby."

The news of Lutui's arrival was augmented by the confirmation that four players will leave the club at the conclusion of their contracts at the end of the season.

Centre James King, hooker Andy Titterrell, and wingers Sep Visser and Mike Penn will check out of Murrayfield for the last time after the final RaboDirect PRO12 game of the regular season, against Dragons in a fortnight's time (Friday 3 May, kick-off 7.45pm).

The quartet join the already announced Allan Jacobsen, Netani Talei, Richie Rees and John Houston, to bring the club's outbound tally to eight.

Stevie Scott, said: "It's always a shame to say farewell to players but it's in the nature of professional sport that we see people move on at this time of year.

"On behalf of Edinburgh Rugby, I'd like to thank them for their contribution to the club.

"Our last game of the season is at home against the Dragons so the fans will have their chance to thank the players and give them a send-off before we look to the future and begin pre-season preparations."

James King: Centre James King has made 31 appearances for the club since joining in the summer of 2010. He made his debut against Aironi that year and scored his first try for the club away to Connacht in 2011. He signed a two-year extension four days later however a recurrent groin injury has impacted his game time for the club. He will now step down from playing professional rugby.

Andy Titterrell: Edinburgh Rugby signed England and British Lion cap Andy Titterrell on a one-year deal at the start of the 2012/13 season. The former Leeds Carnegie skipper was brought in as cover for then injured hooker Steven Lawrie, who has since returned to full fitness

Sep Visser: Wing Sep Visser joined brother, Tim, at Edinburgh Rugby on a training contract in 2011 while plying his weekly trade at RBS Premier Division side Boroughmuir, having held a similar arrangement with Newcastle Falcons and Tynedale RFC since 2009. He has scored one try in his eight appearances for the club.

Mike Penn: Wing Mike Penn joined Edinburgh Rugby on a one-year contract at the beginning of the 2012/13 season but, with competition so fierce in the club's back three, did not make full first team appearance outside of the pre-season matches against Newcastle falcons and Northampton Saints.