SOUTH African back row forward Dewald Potgieter has signed a new and undisclosed contract at Worcester Warriors.

Potgieter was the only first-team player on the books of Warriors whose future had not been confirmed.

Potgieter said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Sixways and we are starting to build a culture which will stand us in good stead on the pitch.

“We have some outstanding players at the Club - a good mix of youth and experience - and I want to play a key part in helping the side move up the Premiership table in the future.”

The 30-year-old has become an influential figure at Warriors since his arrival in February last year.

He captained the side on a number of occasions throughout last season.

Potgieter has racked up 20 appearances for the club, despite being ruled out for nearly eight months through injury.

Before arriving at Sixways, Potgieter spent three years with Japanese side Yamaha Jubilo.

Previously, he enjoyed a decorated history in South Africa, where he won consecutive Super Rugby titles with the Bulls in 2009 and 2010.

The back rower has tasted success on the international stage as well and crossed the whitewash against Wales in Cardiff in one of six appearances for his country.

He also captained the Emerging Springboks against the British & Irish Lions in 2009.

Warriors rirector of rugby Gary Gold said: “Dewald holds himself with the utmost professionalism and continues to be a senior figure both on and off the pitch.

“His experience is greatly beneficial to the younger members of the squad and we are delighted he has committed his future to the club.”

Warriors’ first-team squad for next season:

Josh Adams, Biyi Alo, Niall Annett, Jonny Arr, Luke Baldwin, Darren Barry, Ryan Bower, Matt Cox, Michael Dowsett, Alafoti Fa’osiliva, Dean Hammond, Tom Heathcote, Bryce Heem, Francois Hougaard, Ben Howard, Tom Howe (new, Wasps) Perry Humphreys, Simon Kerrod new, Jersey), Carl Kirwan, Sam Lewis, Marco Mama, Gareth Milasinovich, Ryan Mills, Donncha O’Callaghan, Wynand Olivier, Sam Olver (new, Northampton Saints), Chris Pennell, Pierce Phillips (new, Jersey), Dewald Potgieter, Nick Schonert, Christian Scotland-Williamson, Jamie Shillcock, Jack Singleton, Will Spencer, Max Stelling, Joe Taufete'e, Huw Taylor, Ben Te’o, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Ethan Waller (new, Northampton Saints), Matti Williams, Jackson Willison.