WARRIORS captain Pat Sanderson has committed his future to Worcester until 2008.

The England international has agreed a two-year extension to the deal that was due to run out at the end of the forthcoming season.

Sanderson's signature is a big boost ahead of Sunday's showdown against Gloucester at Sixways in the Guinness Premiership opener.

But Warriors have been hit by a blow as former Cherry and White Andy Gomarsall will miss the game with a knee injury.

However, Sanderson said: "I am thrilled that the club has extended my contract. It is a great set-up here at Worcester and I am pleased to be part of such an innovative club.

Experienced

"Worcester has got some great players and experienced coaching staff, and I know my career will develop here at Sixways."

The 27-year-old flanker, one of the stars of Worcester's rookie Premiership season, captained the national side during their victorious Churchill Cup campaign in the summer.

Director of rugby John Brain said: "It is the club's normal planning procedure that contracts are looked at and reviewed on a regular basis and, with Pat's superb campaign last season, we were keen to come to an arrangement with him.

"Pat has made an outstanding contribution both on and off the pitch since his arrival at Worcester and I am delighted that he has pledged his long-term future to the club."

England international scrum-half Gomarsall will be sidelined for the Gloucester game after picking up an injury in last Friday's warm-up game against Benetton Treviso.

Brain said: "He had a scan on his knee on Saturday which ruled out serious damage. He'll get other opportunities to play against Gloucester. It's more of a relief that he hasn't done career-threatening damage.

"It's not major. He's got a twist of the knee but it's going to keep him out of Sunday's match."

Brain feared Gomarsall might have damaged his anterior cruciate ligament but the scan quickly eradicated those fears and he is not expected to be out for a lengthy period of time.

The 30-year-old had become an instant hit with the Sixways crowd after an impressive debut against the Italian side. He had only made the line-up for that match after fighting off an infection and there was expected to be fierce competition with Matt Powell for the number nine jersey.

Warriors' only other injury problem is Lee Fortey, who dislocated his shoulder against Treviso. The prop has had an MRI scan but it is still not clear how long he will be out .

Worcester have a small number of tickets available for Sunday's game. For more details, call 0870-9905650.