CAPTAIN Gerrit-Jan van Velze says Worcester Warriors’ new owners have “injected real passion and energy” into the club over the past two months.

The 30-year-old number eight who moved to Sixways in 2014 has penned a new contract that runs until the end of the 2020-21 season.

He has become the eighth player to commit to Warriors this month and more re-signings are expected to be announced this week.

After more than a year of uncertainty over the future ownership of the club a consortium led by Jed McCrory took over Warriors in October and van Velze said they made an impact.

“The new owners have come in and have injected real passion and energy in the last couple of months,” van Velze said.

“I am really excited about the seasons ahead and working hard alongside the players and coaches to help us reach our potential as a squad.”

Van Velze was named captain ahead of his debut campaign at Sixways and instantly led his side to promotion back to the Premiership with victory over Bristol in the Championship play-offs.

He spent a year on the sidelines with concussion but returned at the start of last season and re-established himself as a first-team regular.

With Donncha O’Callaghan retiring in May van Velze also retained the captaincy for this term and racked up his 75th Warriors appearance against Bath last month.

“I am in my fifth season at Sixways and I have really enjoyed being part of this club’s journey,” van Velze said.

“I believe this season’s squad is the strongest one we have ever had and the team have shown tremendous progression on the pitch through the sacrifices we have made as individuals.

“We are by no means the finished product and I’m excited by the prospect of tackling the challenges ahead.

“I am also extremely grateful to the support staff who helped me during my year out with injury so I am delighted to have signed a new contract.”

Van Velze joined Warriors from Northampton Saints after playing 45 games during his time at Franklin’s Gardens.

He played for Saints in the 2013 Premiership final and featured regularly in the Heineken Cup.

Before his move to England, van Velze was part of the Blue Bulls squad and also captained South Africa Schools, winning a nomination for the IRB Under 19 Player of the Year in 2007.

Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons added: “GJ has played a vital role as both a leader and a player in the progression of the club and it is fantastic that he has extended his stay with us for another two years.”