Brothers Graham and Andrew Kitchener have both committed their futures to Warriors by signing one-year contract extensions.
The second-row pair became only the fourth set of brothers to play on the winning side in a Premiership Rugby Cup final in last week’s victory over London Irish last week.
Both are products of the Three Pears Warriors Academy with Graham, returning to Sixways in 2019 after eight years with Leicester Tigers while his younger brother has played all his rugby for Warriors.
“’I’m really pleased to have signed for another year. I didn’ t play a great deal at the start of the season but since the turn of the year I have played a bit more and I am excited to be staying,” Graham said.
“Winning the cup was up there as one of the highlights of my career and you could see how much it meant to everyone.
“To win it with my brother was very special and I’m sure that it’s something that we will look back on very fondly in years to come.”
Graham, 32, made his Warriors debut in 2007 and joined the 100 Club when he reached the three-figure landmark of appearances at Newcastle Falcons in the final match of last season.
Andrew, 25, graduated from the Academy to the senior squad at Sixways four years ago and has made 79 senior appearances since his debut in Moscow against Enisei-STM in a European Challenge Cup match in October 2016.
“There’s always a bit of uncertainty when you are out of contract but, I am delighted to be staying and I’m looking forward to next season,” Andrew said.
“Winning the Premiership Cup was massive for everyone but more so for boys like myself who have come through the Academy.
“I was part of the squad that won the Championship in 2015 but I didn’t actually play in the competition that year so to be on the pitch in the Premiership Cup final when the final whistle went was very special.
“It’s good that Graham is staying too. It keeps us together and I have got used to him being around the place.
“He’s been playing really well in the second half of this season and, with his experience, he’s someone that I can learn a lot from.”
Steve Diamond, Warriors Director of Rugby, is delighted to have retained the services of both Kitchener brothers as he prepares for next season with a new Forwards Coach in Nick Easter who will arrive at Sixways from Newcastle Falcons.
“I was delighted to offer Graham an extension to his contract. He has been around the Premiership for years and his knowledge is invaluable,” Diamond said.
“He will be a player first and foremost but I am sure Nick and I will be utilising his vast knowledge.
“Andrew is a product of our academy and has an opportunity to become a Worcester legend like his brother.
“We will put some size on him over the summer and he will be working closely with myself and the coaching staff to develop his full potential.”