Mike Ruddock has hailed the ‘motivational skills and leadership qualities’ of talismanic skipper Pat Sanderson after the Worcester Warriors ace penned a new two-year contract extension on the eve of the new campaign.
Director of Rugby Ruddock handed Sanderson the armband for the 2009/10 season during the summer and described the back row as his ‘Captain Fantastic’.
And now former England international has underlined his commitment to the club and moving Warriors up the Guinness Premiership table by putting pen to paper on a deal until 2012.
“Pat’s motivational skills and leadership qualities have been incredibly impressive, hence my decision to continue to ask Pat to captain the Warriors but also extend his term as a player,” said Ruddock.
“I have no doubt that Pat will maintain his high standards over the next three seasons. His fitness will never be an issue as he is still our fittest player and continues to lead the way in all standards at the club.
“Having chatted with Pat about this contract extension, it became obvious that he believes that the club is about to make massive strides forward and he wants to be a part of that process.
“Pat is exceptionally aware of the excellent young players being developed at the club and the high level of recruitment of outstanding international players like Chris Latham, Sam Tuitupou, Rico Gear and Greg Rawlinson.
“He believes that all of this will make a difference to the club’s position in the league and he desperately wants to see that process through.”