EXPERIENCED back rower Jonathan Thomas has revealed his new contract at Worcester Warriors could be his last as a professional player.
The 32-year-old, who joined Warriors from Ospreys in the summer of 2013, agreed to continue his stay at Sixways as he signed a two-year extension last week.
The former Wales international said he was delighted to get his future resolved as he bids to help Worcester secure a return to the Aviva Premiership.
His new deal will see him remain at the club until he is 34 and Thomas, who captained Warriors last season, hinted he could be hanging up his boots when his contract runs out.
“I am really pleased to get my future sorted,” he said. “At the stage I am at in my career, this is potentially my last contract. I would like to say that I could carry on until I am 40, but I have also got a young family so it is not just about myself anymore.
“It was obviously tough last season, but I really enjoyed playing in the Premiership and the goal now is to get back there.
“It is also an exciting time at the club as there are a lot of young players and it would be a shame having enjoyed the last two years to leave now.”
Thomas left Ospreys as their club record appearance making having played 188 games since their inception in 2003. And the influential back rower, who represented his country 67 times, said he was presented with offers to return to Wales.
He added: “I would be lying if I did not consider my future, especially at my age as there are a lot of decisions to make.
“But when it came down to it my family said they were really happy to live in this area and I have been enjoying my time at the club.
“There were other offers and I did consider them, but I have signed, so I see little point in talking about those. I have made my decision and I am really happy about it.”
Thomas said he also had no immediate plans to become a coach as he aims to fight for his place in the back row and director of rugby Dean Ryan said his experience would be invaluable to the squad.
“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,” Ryan said.
“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.”