Warriors loosehead prop Lewis Holsey is the latest player to commit his future to the club by signing a contract extension.
Holsey, a member of the Three Pears Warriors Academy, made three Gallagher Premiership appearances off the bench as a 19-year-old after the 2019/20 season resumed last August.
He missed the first half of this season with a dislocated shoulder, an injury he sustained in training in November, but has now regained fitness and is currently gaining valuable senior experience on a dual registration with Hartpury in the Greene King IPA Championship.
Holsey has also been included in the England Under-20s squad for this season’s rescheduled Under-20s Six Nations, which is due to be played in Cardiff next month.
“Lewis is a player that we have got a high regard for. He’s a young man but he’s got good old-fashioned values in the sense that he is tough, honest and hard-working,” said Warriors Head Coach Jonathan Thomas.
“He has come through a lot of adversity in his short career by having to overcome injuries. The fact that he is in the England Under-20s squad speaks volumes about his mindset and attitude in coming back from adversity.
“He’s at the start of his journey. He’s been getting good game-time with Hartpury which is what every young player needs and we are delighted that he’s extended his contract.”
Holsey, 20, played his formative rugby for Birmingham & Solihull before being spotted by Chim Gale, Warriors’ then Academy manager, during trials with Greater Birmingham.
“I’m really pleased to have re-signed with Warriors,” Holsey said.
“I’m really enjoying my rugby here and feel the club is moving in a good direction and its future is one I’m excited to be a part of.”
Holsey has already represented England at Under-16s and Under-18s levels during his time with Warriors and had spells on dual registrations with Loughborough Students in National One and London Scottish in the Championship last season before the first COVID-19 lockdown.
“Lewis committing his future to Warriors accords with our vision to have our young homegrown players at the core of the club,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.
“It is also testament to the long-term recruitment and retention strategy which has been in place for the past four years.
“I find it really heartening to see us now reaping the rewards of this strategy, as evidenced by the exceptionally strong squad we have assembled for next season.
“Lewis is a talented, young loosehead prop who has all the attributes to play at the highest level. He is also a likeable lad and I have no doubt that will play a leading role in the future of the club.”