The former England captain joined Worcester from Harlequins in 2004

Worcester Warriors captain Pat Sanderson has signed a new two-year contract extension with the club.

The 31-year-old will now remain at Sixways until 2012.

"For me, it was a no-brainer as I wouldn't be going anywhere because I love the place," he told BBC Hereford and Worcester.

"I'm very much looking forward to being involved here in a golden era when we are successful and I believe that is just around the corner," he added.

Sanderson has played 115 games for the club, scoring 110 points.

The former England captain started every top-flight game in his first year at Sixways after joining from Harlequins in 2004.

I came here just as we were promoted and I want us to be a real force in rugby Pat Sanderson

Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock said he was delighted that Sanderson had chosen to commit to the club a year early, with his current deal set to run until the end of the forthcoming season.

"Pat has always been the consummate professional, an outstanding performer, great player and top leader during his time at the club," said Ruddock.

"His motivational skills and leadership qualities have been incredibly impressive, hence my decision to ask Pat to continue to captain the Warriors but also extend his term as a player.

"I have no doubt that Pat will maintain his high standards over the next three seasons," he added.

Sanderson said the Warriors are still very much a work-in-progress side, but he is determined to see through the project to ensure the club establishes itself among the game's elite.

"I have some personal ambitions but my main ambition is to see this club as a force in rugby, not just in the country but in Europe as well," he said.

"That is the final leg to the journey for me as I came here just as we were promoted and when I finally hang them [my boots] up I want us to be a real force in rugby.

"Once that is achieved I guess I will feel content."

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