Gillies a Warrior for life

Long-serving lock Craig Gillies will continue his record-breaking career at Sixways after agreeing a new contract at Worcester Warriors.

The vastly experienced line-out kingpin is the club’s record appearance maker in the modern era having already clocked up a hugely impressive 287 games for Warriors since his arrival at the club in 2002.

The Glasgow-born second row remains one of the finest line-out operators in the English game and has now agreed a new deal that will keep him at Warriors until 2014 and extend his Sixways spell into a 12th season.

The 36-year-old, who has won England A honours, has continued to have a towering presence at Warriors this season with 19 appearances in all competitions.

His leadership skills, professionalism and outstanding attitude has seen him become a true Warrior legend and head coach Richard Hill believes Gillies can continue to have a huge impact at Sixways.

“Craig has been a tremendous servant for the Warriors and we are very lucky that a player of his qualities will continue to be a big part of our squad,” said Hill.

“As far as the group is concerned, Craig is the consummate professional and extremely dedicated to training. He truly belies his age with the way he keeps himself so fit and athletic.

“He continues to contribute on and off the field, fits in with the culture we want at Warriors and has maintained his level of performance over the years. I don’t see how Craig has dropped off his performance in any way after watching him for the last ten years.

“Craig remains a superb line-out operator, who regularly pinches ball off the opposition, and who continues to work very hard on his game.

“He has not had as many opportunities as he would have ideally liked this season, but he understands it is now a squad game and he gives his absolute all every time he pulls on a Worcester jersey.”