WORCESTER Warriors fought off interest from Guinness Premiership rivals Bristol to secure second-row stalwart Craig Gillies on a long-term deal.
The Sixways talisman has put pen to paper on a new three-year deal which ties him to the club until 2011, eschewing the advances of former Warriors director of rugby John Brain, who is now forwards coach at Bristol.
Having joined Worcester in the summer of 2002, Gillies was a key player under Brain as Worcester won promotion to the Premiership and established themselves in the top flight.
Widely regarded as one of the best line-out takers in English rugby, 31-year-old Gillies admitted the current crop of Warriors make for the best squad he has been part of during his six years at the club.
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