INJURED hooker Niall Annett has signed a new deal to stay at Worcester Warriors.

Annett has not made an appearance this season and is not due back until April as he recovers from a knee injury.

But the 26-year-old has now joined centre Ryan Mills and flanker Sam Lewis in committing himself to Warriors ahead of the 2018-19 season.

Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “Niall has had an unfortunate 12 months but we can’t wait to see him fit and back on the field.

“He has shown tremendous work-rate in the past few seasons at the club and has been a very important member of the side.”

Annett, who joined Warriors in 2014, played a key role in his first season at the club, making 22 appearances, as they secured promotion back to the Aviva Premiership at the first time of asking.

Annett was also part of the squad which won the British & Irish Cup that season, and also helped Worcester Cavaliers reach their first ever A League final.

He then played in all but one of Warriors’ 22 Premiership games back in the top flight in 2015/16 as he cemented his spot in the first-team.

Last season saw the former Ulster man take his appearance tally for the club to 52 before injuries kept him sidelined.

Annett added: “It’s been a frustrating year or so for me with regards to injuries, especially after a great couple of seasons prior to that.

“But I’d like to go on record to thank the club for looking after me during the past year or so during a difficult time.

“We’ve got a cracking bunch of lads here and hopefully if we can keep everyone together then we can push on up that table.

“For me now I just cannot wait to get back on the field and I’m doing everything off it to ensure I come back in the best place I possibly can.”