Worcester Warriors have beaten off competition from some of European rugby’s super powers to today announce that front row star Tevita Taumoepeau has agreed a new two-year deal at Sixways.
Tongan international Taumoepeau, who will now remain at the Guinness Premiership club until at least 2010, joined Warriors during the summer of 2005 from French side Bourgoin and has become a cult figure at Sixways.
The powerful prop made his debut in Worcester colours against former club Northampton Saints in the Powergen Cup in 2005 and has been an ultra consistent member of the squad throughout Worcester’s league and cup campaigns.
Taumoepeau, affectionately known as Audi and Dave to his army of supporters, has made 69 appearances for Warriors, scoring one try, and has made 19 starts this season.
The 33-year-old signed a two-year contract extension in 2006 and has now been rewarded for another eye-catching season with new deal by Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock.
“There was a lot of interest in securing Tevita’s services for next season and beyond but thankfully he has decided to commit his future to Warriors,” said Ruddock.
“Tevita has had a good season figuring in the majority of our matches so far. Overall he has been rock solid in the scrum and he has improved his contribution all over the field throughout the course of this season.
“Tevita is a well respected, highly valued and popular member of the squad and we are very pleased that he continues to be a Warrior.”