HOOKER Aleki Lutui is today set to put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension with Worcester Warriors.

The Tongan international has been a key player for the Sixways side since joining the club in September 2006.

He is the latest senior player to commit to the club after lock Craig Gillies agreed a similar deal earlier this week.

Before moving to Worcester, former policeman Lutui, 29, played Super 14 rugby for the Chiefs as well as representing Bay of Plenty in the Air New Zealand Cup.

The 24-times capped powerhouse, who turned out for Tonga at the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France, has made 38 appearances for the Warriors, grabbing an impressive seven tries.

Having moved swiftly to tie down Gillies and Lutui on extended deals, Worcester director of rugby Mike Ruddock is now looking to secure the futures of other Warriors whose contracts expire this year.

The Sixways boss said: "We are going through the guys who are out of contract now and getting the commitments we need from the players we want.

"It is that time of year and there is always going to be speculation about players coming in or leaving.

"It is an ongoing process which does take time because we need to sit down and talk with each player - more than just once normally - and we have got quite a few guys out of contract this year.

"There is a lot going on but we are confident everything that is happening behind the scenes is positive for the future of the club. We are sorry to lose players like Drew (Hickey) and Shane (Drahm), but ultimately they have reflected on the situation too and there comes a moment when top players move on.

"Luckily, we are in a position where we have a number of quality youngsters coming through."