BUOYANT boss Alan Solomons believes his extended tenure as director of rugby can bring much-needed stability to Worcester Warriors.

The South African’s existing contract expires at the end of next season but he has now signed a deal that will keep him at Sixways until the conclusion of the 2021-22 campaign.

Should Solomons who took the reins in December 2017 remain in charge until then he would become Warriors’ longest serving boss since the late John Brain who served between 2002 and 2007.

Mike Ruddock, Richard Hill, Dean Ryan, Carl Hogg, who briefly teamed up with Nick Johnston, and Gary Gold all had spells in the hotseat but none of them lasted more than three years.

Solomons who turns 69 next month said it was an easy decision to stay and reckoned his four-and-a-half year reign would benefit the club.

“To have that continuity and the stability at the club is important and I think this will definitely bring that,” Solomons said.

“I am really honoured to have been asked to stay on for another two years. It is fantastic.”

Asked what he wanted to achieve by the time he reached the end of his contract, Solomons said: “I hope we will move on considerably down the road in terms of realising our vision to be a stable, sustainable Premiership club.”

Solomons joined Worcester in October 2017, initially as a consultant, before being appointed director of rugby two months later.

He helped Warriors secure their Gallagher Premiership status in his first season and then a 10th-placed finish again the following campaign.

Last term also saw Worcester claim a club record-equalling nine top-flight wins and reach the knock-out stages of the European Challenge Cup and Premiership Cup.

“It has certainly not been without its challenges,” said Solomons on his time at the helm.

“It has been a tough job but a really enjoyable one too. It was great to end last season the way we did.

“I would like to thank the fans for their support over the past season.

“They were absolutely tremendous.

“When I think back to some of the games here the atmosphere was electric and we just want to see them back at Sixways next year and we hope we can deliver for them.”

On living in Worcester, Solomons added: “I have really enjoyed it.

“I live in Battenhall which is near work and very close to the town so I am very happy there.”

The news of Solomons’ contract extension swiftly follows the ownership change at Sixways with Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham jointly running the club after Jed McCrory stepped down from the executive board.

In a statement from the club, Goldring said: “Jason and I both think Alan has done a great job of managing the team and rugby department since starting at Warriors.

“We both support his vision and plan to achieve a sustainable top-flight team with the academy at its core, supported by top-class talented and experienced players.

“We are delighted that Alan has signed his contract extension which ensures continuity and stability."