BEN Hinshelwood has handed Worcester Rugby Club a major boost by pledging his future to Sixways.

The Scottish international centre was high on the shopping list of a number of Premiership clubs after Worcester's failure to gain promotion last season.

However, despite an opt-out clause in his contract should Worcester fail to reach the top flight, the 26-year-old has decided to see out the final year of his deal.

"I'm very happy to stay," said Hinshelwood."I think the coaches will be strengthening the squad in the right places and we will do a lot better next season. Most of the squad are sticking with Worcester because we are desperate to win promotion.

"We all want Worcester in the Premiership and I certainly want to repay the club because they were great to me while I was injured.

"It's a case of unfinished business for me and I think, after the club were very loyal to me, it wasn't right for me to move to another club.

"There were a number of clubs interested but I want to play for Worcester in the Premiership."

Hinshelwood has only just recovered from a broken leg suffered in January and will be unavailable for club rugby until November because of Scottish World Cup duty.

Despite the fact that the former Bedford man is only likely to be available for 16 out of 26 National One games next season, his decision to stay should see him play in promotion showdowns at Bristol and Orrell.

"He's a massive player for us," added coach Andy Keast. "When we look back at last season, it's clear just how much we missed him when he was injured.

"Unquestionably, Ben is very important to Worcester. He has grown into a big influence on the side and, obviously, it is a big boost to have him on board for next season.

"The great thing from the coaches' perspective is that Ben is very committed to the club. He certainly didn't push for a move."

Keast is still yet to sign his new contract but admitted that retaining players such as Hinshelwood bodes well for the future. "Keeping players such as Ben was always going to be a factor in my final decision," added Keast.