Chris Fortey arrived at Sixways from Gloucester in the summer of 2005

Worcester Warriors hooker Chris Fortey has become only the fifth man in Premiership history to play 200 games.

The 34-year-old veteran made his 200th appearance as a late substitute for Worcester in Friday night's 12-12 draw with Saracens at Sixways.

Only Simon Shaw, Hugh Vyvyan, Kris Chesney and Mark Regan have played more games in 14 years of Premiership rugby.

Fortey, who has been around ever since the Premiership began in 1996, signed a new one-year deal during the summer.

"Chris has hit the '200 Club' in the Premiership," said Warriors director of rugby Mike Ruddock.

PREMIERSHIP APPEARANCE RECORD HOLDERS Simon Shaw (Bristol/Harlequins) 218 games Hugh Vyvyan (Newcastle/Saracens) 212 games Kris Chesney (Saracens/Bristol)209 games Mark Regan (Bristol/Bath/Leeds) 201 games Chris Fortey (Gloucester/W'ter) 200 games

"This is yet another example of the durability, professionalism and skill of this Warrior over an extended period.

"We bought him on with 15 minutes to go.

"We knew, with his 200th appearance, he would like to mark it with something special.

"Olivier Sourgens came on as well and, between them they took one against the head, hammered the ball down field, and Saracens conceded a penalty, so it was a vital part of the game."

The hooker has scored just two tries in 111 appearances for Worcester since heading up the M5 from home town club Gloucester to join twin brother Lee at Sixways in the summer of 2005.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version