DALE Rasmussen will be the next big name to commit himself to Sixways.

The Samoan international, who has become a key figure in Worcester's momentous Premiership season, has agreed a new contract.

The 27-year-old should put pen to paper on the deal within the next few days, following hot on the heels of Drew Hickey, Matt Powell, Tim Collier, Craig Gillies and Andre Van Niekerk who have also extended their Sixways stay.

"Everything has been agreed," he said. "It's just a formality of signing the deal now. I'm delighted to be staying because the club is moving in the right direction and I've really enjoyed my first season here. Things are going really well."

There were a few eyebrows raised when coaches John Brain and Andy Keast plucked Rasmussen from National One club Exeter Chiefs following their promotion to the Premiership.

The centre, though, has proved all those doubters wrong with some stunning hits in the top flight as he continues to carve out a formidable reputation as one of the outstanding Premiership defenders.

Rasmussen and centre partner Thomas Lombard have become a pivotal part of Worcester's renaissance following their opening four Premier defeats. Since they were first paired together for that historic victory over Harlequins on October 2, the double act haven't looked back.

Indeed, Rasmussen personifies Worcester's development this season. Shaky to start with but, in recent months, has become a man mountain as the Warriors brushed every opponent aside.

"I feel I've developed this season," he said.

"I work on my game with Andy Keast and Billy McGinty (Worcester's analytical coach) on specific areas.

"It does make a difference and I certainly have moved forward as the season has gone on. It's a pride thing when you go out on to that field. I want to make those tackles, those hits, and get the better of the opposition.

"I think that Thomas and I can, however, improve.

"We offer different things as players but we've worked well together this season and there is certainly a lot of trust there.

"When I first arrived I expected to probably break into the team gradually but you always back yourself as a player and it was just a case of getting used to the intensity of the Premiership.

"It was tough to start with but I think we've really progressed. Personally, I've developed and the team has grown and grown since the first month of the season."

Rasmussen, though, is acutely aware that it only takes a hint of complacency to put that continued development under threat.

"It's very easy to undo all that good work," he said. "If we don't win another game this season then we can still go down.

"To throw all that hard work away would be stupid so nobody here is getting carried away. There are no egos in this team and the coaching staff crack down on any potential signs of complacency very quickly.

"We're very happy with the way things are going but we know there's a lot more work to be done yet and many, many more tackles to be made."

Andrew Higgins had better beware. Dale Rasmussen's coming for you.