CENTRE Alex Grove revealed the decision to shake things up at Sixways was what enticed him to continue his career at Worcester Warriors.
The 26-year-old, who has made more than 100 appearances for Worcester, signalled his intentions to help bring long-term success to the club by penning a new deal this week.
The announcement comes just two weeks after in-form full back Chris Pennell signed a four-year contract and it will be seen as another huge boost for Warriors who languish at the foot of the Aviva Premiership table.
Despite the side’s current problems on the pitch, Grove said he has been impressed by what Worcester has achieved off the field, which has included the recent capture of Nick Johnston as high performance director.
And the Scot, who is a product of the club’s academy, is now looking forward to helping director of rugby Dean Ryan achieve his ambition to make Warriors a future force in the top flight.
“The club has clearly shown its intent by the people recruited behind the scenes,” Grove said. “The foundations are now in place and I want to be part of things when we ultimately move up the table.
“The club has really shaken things up and that’s what we’ve needed. In the next three or four years I believe that it is achievable to become one of the top sides in the Premiership.”
Since bursting on to the scene in 2006, Grove has been a consistent performer in a Worcester jersey and Ryan said he was delighted to land his signature.
“We are looking to bring long-term success to this club and to achieve that we must ensure our best players want to be part of our journey,” Ryan said.
“Alex embodies the type of player that will help us achieve our vision and this announcement is a great endorsement to the work everybody is putting in.”
Chief executive Charles Cameron added: “Alex has become a key player for the club over the last five years and clearly believes we will achieve success going forward.
“Having come through the academy, he has a great attachment to this club and, as more young players follow his pathway to the first-team, his presence will continue to be vital in helping this club move in the right direction.”