“Dave” Taumoepeau signs new Warriors contract

Tevita Taumoepeau

Tevita Taumoepeau

Powerhouse prop Tevita Taumoepeau has committed his future to Worcester Warriors by signing a new one-year deal at Sixways Stadium.

Former Tongan international Taumoepeau, a cult hero with fans at Warriors, has become a rock in the Worcester scrum since joining the club in the summer of 2005 from French outfit Bourgoin.

The powerful front row made his debut in Worcester colours against former club Northampton Saints in the Powergen Cup in 2005 and has since gone on to make 121 appearance for Warriors, scoring one try in the league in 2006/07.

Taumoepeau has become a key figure in the Sixways dressing room and that was underlined when he was named Players’ Player of the Year in 2007/08.

“We have received some good news in the shape of Tevita Taumoepeau re-signing for the Warriors on a one-year deal,” said Ruddock.

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Warriors swoop for sevens star Cracknell

Worcester Warriors have announced the signing of England Sevens star Chris Cracknell until the end of the 2009/10 season. The highly-rated Windsor-born back row, recently on England Sevens duty in Dubai, will link up with his new team-mates at Sixways Stadium from Monday.

The 25-year-old has previously played at Bath Rugby, Exeter Chiefs, Cornish Pirates, Newbury and Harlequins.

A hugely gifted Sevens performer, Cracknell earned rave reviews just last week as he scored two tries as England were narrowly beaten in the IRB Dubai Sevens, where he played alongside new Worcester team-mate Jake Abbott.

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Coach McGinty extends his Warriors stay

Worcester Warriors are today pleased to announce that Backs & Defence Coach Billy McGinty has agreed a new deal at Sixways Stadium.

Ex-Great Britain rugby league star McGinty has signed a contract that will now keep him at Warriors until at least 2012.

Glasgow-born McGinty is a former Wigan rugby league star who represented Great Britain four times, won two Challenge Cups, two Regal Trophies, Premiership and league championships as well as two World Club Championships.

He has enjoyed spells as assistant coach at Wigan and Huddersfield Giants, head coach for Scotland rugby league team and also in rugby union at Sale.

McGinty joined Warriors when the club was elevated to the Guinness Premiership and Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock is delighted that he has now agreed to continue his dedicated service to the Sixways club.

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Fortey set for two hundred

Hooker Chris Fortey is set to join the exclusive ’200 Club’ in the Guinness Premiership when Worcester Warriors entertain table topping Saracens at Sixways Stadium on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).

Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has selected the same starting line-up that drew 12-12 on home soil with Bath Rugby just seven days earlier as he looks for Warriors to secure a third home win of the campaign.

Fortey is named among the replacements and if he plays a part in the encounter will hit the magical 200 game mark in the English top-flight and move to fifth in the all-time league standings for games played.

“Chris is about to hit the 200 Club in the Guinness Premiership and this is yet another example of the durability, professionalism and skill of this Warrior over an extended period,” said Ruddock.

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Wing wonder Benjamin signs Warriors deal

Worcester Warriors are today delighted to announce that ‘hot property’ Miles Benjamin has signed a new two-year contract to remain at Sixways Stadium.

Wing wonder Benjamin, who has a stunning strike rate of 24 tries in 60 games for Warriors, has put pen to paper on a deal that will keep him at the club until at least 2012.

The Solihull speedster, a product of the Warriors Academy, burst onto the first team picture during the 2007/08 season and quickly established himself as one of the deadliest and brightest young English stars in the game.

The England Under 20 international scored a try on his first senior start against London Irish in the EDF Energy Cup and his first Guinness Premiership try came against Newcastle Falcons in January 2008.

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