DALE Rasmussen admits his family's happiness was the main reason for him deciding to stay with Warriors for another three years.

The Samoan powerhouse this week put pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him at Sixways until the summer of 2010.

Rasmussen joined Worcester in the summer of 2004 and has settled in the city with his wife and two young sons to such an extent he couldn't imagine being anywhere else.

"In terms of wanting to stay in Worcester and wanting to be here, it was an easy decision," he said. "My family are very settled here. Both my sons were born here. I try to look after my family, that's my number one priority.

"There was a fair bit of interest but I am happy here. I enjoy playing and I think we are taking steps forward and, if I didn't think we were going to compete next year or even this year, I wouldn't have committed."

Rasmussen regards the club as an extension of his family, so much so that his two-year-old son Elijah refers to the centre's team-mates Craig Gillies and Drew Hickey as "uncle Craig" and "uncle Drew".

It has been a turbulent 12 months for the club but the 29-year-old has excelled more than any other player in that period. His performances in the second half of last season earned him the coaches' player-of-the-year award and he has gone from strength to strength this term.

The arrival of Phil Larder has undoubtably sharpened Rasmussen's game and he has been encouraged to lead by example on the pitch by director of rugby John Brain.

"Dale is hugely respected by both his opponents and by his peers and he is part of the furniture and fabric of Worcester," said Brain. "To have lost him would have been a major blow for the club.

"I think it is important that Dale has stayed and, going into a crucial period of the season, I am sure he is happy to have settled his future and the supporters, and players in the squad, will be happy that he has signed."

Despite his excellent form in this campaign, Rasmussen admits there is still plenty of room for improvement.

He said: "I don't think you are ever at the peak but I am happy with the way I am playing compared to the beginning of the season.

"I am always striving to get better and provide that perfect performance."