WORCESTER Warriors have fresh hope of seeing Marco Mama back in action this season as he steps his rehabilitation.

The 26-year-old back rower has been out since the start of the campaign after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during pre-season but had a new one-year deal rubber stamped yesterday.

Mama has returned to training and despite still requiring the green light from specialists before tackling the rigours of Premiership rugby once more, director of rugby Alan Solomons is bullish about his prospects of featuring during the run in.

"Marco will return this season, I am sure of it," he said.

“He is in good nick, has trained incredibly well and is a really good athlete.

"He has had an ACL, you have got to wait for the specialist to give him the all clear. Statistically, it is better to have a passage of time before returning to play even if it appears to be good.

“I am certainly hoping that he will start playing sooner rather than later.

"He is a terrific loose forward who we have obviously missed this year. We are hoping he will be back towards the end of the season and I am really pleased he has extended his stay here at Sixways."

On his new deal, Mama said: “I’ve really enjoyed the past three seasons at Sixways and am over the moon to be extending my time here.

“I’ve made some lifelong friends and believe this club can progress and push its way up the Premiership table.

“It’s been frustrating being out this season with injury but I’m determined more so than ever to get back out on the field and fight for my place in the team.”