WORCESTER Warriors have received a massive boost on the eve of Sunday's Saracens clash after lock Craig Gillies agreed a three-year deal to keep him at Sixways until 2011.

Line-out king Gillies, who joined Warriors in the summer of 2002, was a key part of the unbeaten National Division One promotion-winning team of 2003/04 and has helped establish the club in the Guinness Premiership.

The 31-year-old, who previously had playing spells at Richmond and Llanelli, is widely regarded as one of the best line-out takers in the top-flight and won England A' honours in 2000.

Director of rugby Mike Ruddock revealed he was delighted to have secured the signature of Gillies amid strong interest in the lock from other Premiership outfits.

"I'm delighted that Craig has signed for the next three years," he said. "He has been an outstanding player during his time at Warriors and his great form in the recent win over Bristol showed just how devastating he can be on his day.

"Overall, I feel this season he has added a new dimension to his game and his tries against the Ospreys and Montauban at home showed the progression in his game.

"Given Craig's excellent attitude towards his physical development and conditioning, I see no reason for his form to diminish over the next three years."

Gillies revealed the burning ambition for success at Sixways convinced him to agree a new deal.

"I'm delighted to sign a new contract and commit my future, having already had six enjoyable years at Warriors," he said.

"I'm still very motivated by the club and what we are striving to achieve. There are a lot of exciting plans, both on and off the field, and I want to be a part of that development.

"The squad is the strongest that I've been involved in since I was at Warriors and we are looking to play an exciting brand of rugby that is good to watch and be a part of.

"We also have a very close-knit group of players and I've built up some very strong friendships over the past six years.

"The club boasts a fantastic coaching set-up with Mike, Clive Griffiths and Billy McGinty plus a dedicated backroom team who are all working hard for success and to ensure they create a positive environment to be a part of.

"Warriors are also fortunate to have such a passionate chairman as Cecil Duckworth, whose vision and investment has given the club such a fantastic backing, and superb supporters who have always stood by me and the team.

"I look forward to being part of a side that can make them proud in the coming years."