FORMER Wales international Jonathan Thomas has committed his future to Worcester Warriors by signing a two-year extension.
The 32-year-old back rower, who joined Warriors from Ospreys in the summer of 2013, has been a stand-out performer at Sixways since his arrival and captained the side during his first season at the club.
Thomas, who has represented his country 67 times, has gone on to make 32 first-team appearances and his experience has consistently been an invaluable component for Warriors’ young side.
Thomas said: “When I signed for the club I understood that there were tough times ahead and that we would need to go through those before we could really move forward.
“After the disappointments of last season we are now on the other side of those days and the club is making fantastic progress because of the changes that have been implemented and are still ongoing.
“The challenge of helping this club become a successful one is something that really excites me and I am fully committed to that. My family have also settled well in the area and I feel part of the club and the wider community.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time here so hopefully we can continue to progress and create something special in the future.”
Thomas broke into the Welsh set-up during the summer tour to Australia in 2003 and later played a starring role at the 2003 Rugby World Cup. He was named in eight consecutive Six Nations squads between 2004 and 2011 and featured in the Grand Slam winning teams of 2005 and 2008.
Director of rugby Dean Ryan added: “As one of the club’s most well-respected and senior players, JT has illustrated his leadership skills time and time again, and his attitude on and off the pitch embodies the way this club should be represented now and in the future.
“His presence around some of our younger players has been crucial to their development and I am delighted that he has chosen to be part of this club’s progression.”
For more on Jonathan Thomas’ decision to stay at Warriors check out next week’s Worcester Observer