WORCESTER Warriors duo Max Stelling and Ben Howard have committed their futures to the club by signing new contracts.

The pair, who both graduated from the Warriors Academy, became regulars in Dean Ryan’s Championship and British and Irish Cup-winning squads last season.

Full-back Howard, who can also play on the wing, made 23 appearances last term which included seven tries.

Stelling enjoyed his finest campaign in the gold and blue with 17 tries in 24 games.

Director of rugby Ryan said: “We’re delighted Max and Ben have decided to commit their futures to Warriors.

“Both of them have shown tremendous professionalism over the last two years as they’ve made the transition from the Academy to the first-team.

“Developing young talent is integral to this club and both Ben and Max are a fine example of what we’re trying to build here at Sixways.

“They are two very talented youngsters who are yet to realise their full potential and that is very exciting for us.”

Howard, 22, made his Aviva Premiership debut against Leicester Tigers at Welford Road in September 2012 before marking his first start with two tries against Bizkaia Gernika RT in the Amlin Challenge Cup.

His impressive form led to an England Under 20 call-up and he was a key part of the side which claimed the Six Nations and Junior World Championship titles in 2013.

The back was handed a first-team contract ahead of the 2014/15 campaign and was one of the standout performers in Warriors' Championship-winning season, being named Supporters Young Player of the Year.

Howard said: “Warriors have always been my club and I want to continue to be part of the journey.

“It’s clear to see from all the developments and the vision that Dean and the coaches have that we’re heading in the right direction and all of that is something any player wants to be a part of.

“Last season was a special one and I want to enjoy more good times with the club in the future.”

Centre Stelling burst on to the Warriors scene with a club-record six-minute hat-trick on his first-team debut against Bizkaia Gernika in October 2012.

He scored three tries in 14 first-team appearances during Ryan’s first season in charge and was handed a first-team contract ahead of the 2014/15 campaign.

And last season’s promotion coincided with Stelling's rapid development, as the youngster finished as the club’s second-highest tryscorer of the season – taking his Warriors record up to 25 tries in just 41 games.

Stelling, 21, added: “Warriors is the ideal place to be for any young rugby player.

“I feel like my game has developed immensely under the current coaching regime and with all the foundations in place, Sixways is a very positive place to be.

“There is a fine balance of youth and experience at the club and with some great players coming in, there is plenty of resource to learn from.

“Now I’m just really excited about getting out on the field to show what I can do.”