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Rugby Union

Sanderson signs new deal at Sixways

29/08/2007

Flanker Pat Sanderson has signed a new deal that will keep him at Worcester Warriors until 2010.

The Warriors captain said the development of the club, both on and off the field, contributed to his decision to commit to the Midlands side for a further three years.

Sanderson's existing deal was due to expire at the end of the season and new coach Mike Ruddock said Sanderson was a key player for him to keep at the club when he took over.

He said: "The plan when I arrived at Warriors was two-fold, to sign new players who would add huge value to the quality of the team and also to contract our captain Pat Sanderson who is crucial to the ongoing development of this team."

Sanderson joined the Warriors in 2004 from Harlequins and was instrumental in helping the side survive a relegation fight on the final day of the Guinness Premiership last season.

The 30-year-old has played 16 times for England but failed to make Brain Ashton's final 30-man squad for the forthcoming World Cup in France.

Ruddock said: "Pat typifies everything that we are looking to create at Warriors, as an individual he is extremely hard working, he is the fittest guy at the club, he leads from the front and his skills are of an international standard."

Worcester have made a number of signings this summer, headed by All Black Rico Gear, and Sanderson says there is an air of optimism around the club.

"I hope the fans can see that we are all trying to build something special at the Warriors, and I want to be a part of that," he added.