SHAUN Ruwers, the promising South African prop, has signed a two-year contract extension with Worcester Warriors that will keep him at Sixways until 2010.

The 25-year-old signed for Warriors from Waterloo on a one-year contract last summer, with the potential for that deal to be extended.

The tight-head made his first-team debut in the EDF Energy Cup against London Irish in December and his first appearance in the Guinness Premiership against Newcastle Falcons last month.

Ruwers, who stands at 6ft 2ins and weighs 19st 5lbs, has enjoyed previous spells with Natal and Atlantic Pumas.

Worcester's director of rugby, Mike Ruddock, said: "Shaun is definitely a fine prospect at tight-head and can also play at loose-head. He still has a way to go before he could consider himself a genuine first-team starter.

"However, we feel that it is worth giving the investment in Shaun's continued development to help him become the player we believe he can be.

"We view Shaun as a medium-to-long-term prospect. Ideally we'd love to grow a new crop of props to replace the likes of Tony Windo and people like Tevita Taumoe-peau when, one day, he decides he can't play any more.

"Tony will be responsible for his future development in his role as assistant forwards coach and I'm sure Tony will be able to help Shaun to achieve his goals."

Meanwhile, Ruddock is planning to make several changes to his side for Saturday's Guinness Premiership clash with Harlequins at The Stoop.

He added: "There will be some changes to the team. Drew Hickey is available again after a hamstring problem and there is a chance he could come back in. There is also a chance that we might make some half-back changes."

Ruddock also revealed that he had received a number of enquiries about Japan-bound fly-half Shane Drahm going out on loan.

The Sixways chief said: "Since Shane has announced he is moving on to Japan, a number of clubs have noticed he hasn't been picked for the first team and have enquired about taking him on loan.

"Shane has said he'd certainly consider it, but nothing has been decided yet. Moseley have enquired about him and so have a few other clubs. If he wants to go out and play a bit of rugby on loan, as long as I can call him back if needed, I wouldn't have a problem."

On the injury front, young prop Callum Black will be out for three to four weeks after taking a shoulder knock in the A' League game against Leeds on Monday night. In the same game, lock Tim Collier pulled his hamstring and he too will be out for a few weeks.