Drauniniu extends Warriors stay

Drauniniu: New Warriors deal

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Try-scoring star Josh Drauniniu has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract with Worcester Warriors beyond the end of this season.

Flying wing Drauniniu joined Worcester from London Welsh in 2011 and has scored an impressive 12 tries in 18 games for the club.

The 27-year-old has now agreed new terms to continue his eye catching development at Sixways.

The former England Sevens international was the hat-trick hero against Femi-CZ VEA Rovigo in the Amlin Challenge Cup last weekend as Warriors rattled up an 80-17 victory to keep their European hopes alive.

"Josh came to Warriors as a very raw player with a huge amount of ability and natural talent, particularly in attack," said head coach Richard Hill.

"His game needed refining to become a top Aviva Premiership player and credit to him he has worked exceptionally hard during his time here, especially with Phil Larder on his defence.

"Josh has become a very good defender and has filled some big boots since the departure of Miles Benjamin and Marcel Garvey last year.

"In attack he is now even more hungry for the ball and is a real predator. I think he has finally realised just how good a player he can be and I rate him as one of the best attacking wingers and in the top three in the country.

"He has got it all and he plays with a smile on his face which I like to see. Josh has a very big future and we are delighted that is with Worcester Warriors."

Born in Suva in Fiji, Drauniniu joined the Royal Navy in 2003 at the age of 17 and saw active service in the Gulf in 2005. He was soon introduced to rugby union and made his debut in the annual Army versus Navy match at Twickenham in 2004.

Three years later he was signed by Exeter Chiefs, where his pace on the wing caught the eye of the England Sevens selectors.

He scored a sensational try on his international debut against Portugal in Dubai in 2008 and later also had a playing spell at Harlequins.