Craig Gillies signs two-year deal at Worcester Warriors

Gillies broke Warriors' appearance record in November

Worcester Warriors lock Craig Gillies has extended his stay at Sixways after signing a new two-year deal to keep him at the club until 2013.

The 34-year old is the record appearance maker for Warriors in the modern era after playing 226 games since joining in 2002.

"I have been at Worcester a long time and at this stage of my career I really wanted to stay here," said Gillies.

"I very much feel part of the club and have a great deal of loyalty here."

Gillies added: "The club have been very good to me and the chairman Cecil Duckworth, in particular, has always supported me.

"It was an easy decision to stay, my family are also settled in Worcester and we love it here.

"The deal will take me through a decade at the club and there have certainly been some highs and lows.

He has been dominating the lineout for us, controlling restarts, making big tackles and really carrying strongly

Richard Hill on Gillies

"But, crucially, I really feel we are on the up under Richard Hill and I'm now very excited about being a part of the future of Worcester Warriors as we look to make a return to the Premiership."

Gillies joined Worcester in 2002 after seeing service with Llanelli and Richmond - and head coach Richard Hill has made him his first-choice line jumper.

"Craig is playing as well now as he has ever done and remains a real force in the game," said Hill.

"He also keeps himself in fantastic shape, which is underlined by the huge number of games he has already played.

"This season he has been dominating the line-out for us, controlling restarts, making big tackles and really carrying strongly as he continues to show his talent.

"He truly is an outstanding professional and a wonderful example for all younger players to follow in their rugby career.

"He is a delightful man to work with. I could not wish for a more motivated, helpful and mature player in the squad."