Worcester Warriors hooker Chris Fortey has signed a contract extension with the Amlin Challenge Cup side, keeping him at Sixways until the end of the season.

The long-serving hooker has made 152 appearances for the Warriors, 28 of which came in Europe – since his move from home town club Gloucester in 2005.

Fortey initially agreed a six month deal this season and was appointed Forwards Coach at Stourbridge RFC for the 2011/12 season to maintain the strong and developing link between the two clubs.

However, Head Coach Richard Hill revealed Fortey would now remain with the Warriors until at least the end of the current campaign.

“Chris is a hugely valued member of our squad,” he said. “On and off the field, he has a big impact for the Warriors and we are really pleased he will remain with us.

“Chris is a fantastic mentor for the younger members of the squad, but his hunger for the game also remains as strong as ever and he is fighting for a place in the team every week.”

Fortey added, “I’m really happy to be staying until the end of the season.”

“When I signed the six month contract I always had a thought deep down that if I pushed myself and showed what I could do then I could extend my stay for longer.

“As long as you have got that hunger and competitiveness then there is no reason why you can’t keep pushing yourself and others around you to get better.

“There can be a massive stigma around your age, but I am still enjoying my rugby and training on a competitive nature. I want to be playing and I will be doing all I can for the rest of this season to do just that.”