FORMER Wales international Jonathan Thomas has pledged his future to Worcester Warriors after signing a new two-year contract.

The back row has been a stand-out performer since arriving from Welsh region Ospreys in the summer of 2013 and captained Warriors in their relegation season from the Premiership.

The news is a fillip for Worcester, who face Pontypridd at Sixways tomorrow in the quarter-finals of the British and Irish Cup (3pm).

The 32-year-old, capped 67 times by Wales, confirmed he had offers to move away from Warriors but believes it’s an exciting time to be part of Dean Ryan’s plans.

“I am really pleased to get my future sorted — I have enjoyed my time at the club so far and I am really pleased that’s going to continue for the next few years,” said Thomas.

“It was at tough season last season and it was all new to me because I spent my whole career at one club.”

“But I really enjoyed playing in the Premiership and obviously the goal is to get back there.

“I was keen to re-sign and when the club reiterated they wanted to keep me it was the natural thing to do.

“I am very much focused on playing and there might come a time where I would love to be a coach.

“But if you look too far ahead you are admitting you are getting too old.

"My body feels good and I have signed for two years.

“Physically, I think I am in good enough shape to give it my all for those two years and I would like to keep playing after that.

“I think it was wonderful when Chris Pennell signed last season on the back of all the success that he had in the summer so that was a real marker.”

Thomas has made 32 firstteam appearances for Warriors and has been a valuable component of Worcester’s young side as Ryan strives to build a team capable of achieving long-term success.

Thomas said: “There were other offers but I see little point in talking about what those offers were because I have signed for Worcester and I am really happy with my decision.

“Worcester is a good place to be — I played international rugby for Wales for the best part of 10 years and the facilities at the club are as good as an international set-up.

“The club have got real aspirations to be a top club so if you were a young player it would be a really silly thing to leave this club.”

A delighted Ryan said: “As one of the club’s most wellrespected and senior players, Jonathan Thomas 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.”