Worcester Warriors: Craig Gillies signs deal to stay at Sixways

Record-breaking Worcester Warriors forward Craig Gillies has signed a new one-year deal to stay at Sixways.

The 36-year-old Scotsman, who has made a club-record 287 appearances since arriving from Llanelli in 2002, has agreed terms to stay for a 12th season.

"After such a long time at the club it's hard to imagine ever playing anywhere else," said Gillies.

"It's massively pleasing to me to be offered a new deal and to agree terms to stay with the Warriors."

Head coach Richard Hill believes that the Paisley-born lock forward, who started his career at Bath before spending three years at Richmond, can still have a big impact at Sixways.

"Craig has been a tremendous servant," said Hill. "He is the consummate professional, extremely dedicated to training. He belies his age with the way he keeps himself so fit and athletic.

"He has not had as many opportunities as he'd have ideally liked this season, but he understands it is now a squad game.

"He gives his all every time he pulls on a Worcester jersey. He remains a superb lineout operator, who regularly pinches ball off the opposition."

Gillies, who has made 19 appearances this season, mostly off the bench, added: "I've had to take a back seat more than in previous years and mentally that can be hard to deal with.

"I still want to be first choice. But I've been around the game long enough to know that is now always possible.

"My ambition burns as strong as ever. If that ever goes out, you know the time is right to walk away. That does happen to people, but it's not the case with me. I've plenty left in the tank."

Worcester will have had three weeks off following their 29-23 win over Wasps on 1 March when they return to action at London Irish this Saturday.

Victory over Wasps ended a run of four straight Premiership defeats for the Warriors, who are not yet completely safe from the threat of relegation.

Sat ninth in the Premiership table with five games to play, they could all but seal their place in next season's top flight if they win at the Madejski Stadium.