Front row legend Chris Fortey will remain at Worcester Warriors until at least the end of the current season after signing a new contract extension at Sixways Stadium.
Long-serving hooker Fortey, who has played 152 games for Warriors, has been a hugely popular member of the Sixways squad since making the switch from home city club Gloucester in 2005.
The 36-year-old remains one of the all-time record appearance makers in the history of the Aviva Premiership having played over a 200 games in the top-flight.
Fortey initially agreed a six month deal this season and was appointed Forwards Coach at Stourbridge RFC for the 2011/12 season to maintain the strong and developing link between the two clubs.
However, Head Coach Richard Hill revealed Fortey would now remain with the Warriors until at least the end of the current campaign.
“Chris is a hugely valued member of our squad,” he said. “On and off the field, he has a big impact for the Warriors and we are really pleased he will remain with us.
“Chris is a fantastic mentor for the younger members of the squad, but his hunger for the game also remains as strong as ever and he is fighting for a place in the team every week.”
Fortey revealed he had offers from two other Aviva Premiership clubs for his services, but had always wanted to remain at Warriors and help the club push on.
“I’m really happy to be staying until the end of the season,” added Fortey. “When I signed the six month contract I always had a thought deep down that if I pushed myself and showed what I could do then I could extend my stay for longer.
“As long as you have got that hunger and competitiveness then there is no reason why you can’t keep pushing yourself and others around you to get better.
“There can be a massive stigma around your age, but I am still enjoying my rugby and training. I want to be playing and I will be doing all I can for the rest of this season to do just that.”