England Sevens star and dynamic back row forward Jake Abbott has today signed a new one-year deal to remain at Worcester Warriors.
Worcester born and bred, Abbott has been connected to the club since the age of six as a mini/junior and has become one of the rising stars at Sixways in recent seasons.
The 22-year-old made his first senior start against London Irish in the EDF Energy Cup in October 2008 and the Academy graduate scored his first try for the club against Harlequins in the same competition in November 2008.
Abbott continued to come of age during the 2009/10 season with the athletic former Worcester Sixth Form College student making seven appearances and scoring three tries, including a memorable double against Olympus Rugby Madrid XV in January.
The skilled back row has also been a key member of the England Sevens set-up and during the last two years has performed around the globe, including competitions in Hong Kong, Brisbane, Adelaide, Wellington, Las Vegas and Dubai.
“I’m really pleased to get everything sorted, it’s great to get the contract signed and know I’m here to play for another year,” said Abbott, who has played a total of 13 games for Worcester and scored four tries.
“It is a new start for us all under Richard Hill with some fresh faces coming in. I’m sure the team dynamics will work well and we will now knuckle down for pre-season to make sure we hit the floor running in the Championship.
“I have heard a lot of great things about Richard (Hill) and I’m still young with much to offer and a massive challenge ahead of me. He has spoken about wanting people here who will give everything for the shirt and bring a real work ethic – I feel I can do just that.
“I know it will be a real battle for a place. Pat Sanderson is a talisman for the Warriors, James Collins is a fantastic player and Neil Best can play right across the back row. But rugby is all about competition and trying to push yourself if you want to be the best.
“The Championship will be a stern test for us, but hopefully I can get more games and really put my hand up next season. This is the season to prove to the players and our supporters what I am about and get more game time.”
Head Coach Richard Hill added: “This is a fresh chance for Jake to really put his hand up on the back of his England Sevens experience and see if that can help him push his way into the first team.
“He has some very strong competition around him, but I have been really impressed by his attitude and enthusiasm for the challenge and the way he will back himself to prove how good he is.”
Meanwhile, Worcester Warriors have confirmed that prop Jack Gilding has left the club following the completion of his contract at Sixways and joined Edinburgh Rugby.