WORCESTER Warriors’ popular back row Matt Cox has signed a new contract to remain at Sixways.

The Redditch-born Warriors Academy graduate has been in fine form this season across the European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup campaigns.

Cox made the most carries of any player in the European competition after amassing 100 in just six games.

But, Cox, who turns 29 next Monday, has struggled to break into Warriors’ Aviva Premiership squad this term, making just three appearances from the bench.

Director of rugby Gary Gold said: “Coxy is a true professional with an incredible work ethic and we’re delighted he has committed his future to the Club.

“You know precisely what you’re going to get with Coxy and that is 110 per cent whether it is on or off the field.”

Cox picked up back-to-back player of the month awards in December and January to become the first Warriors player to win the award more than once.

He previously picked up the gong, which is voted for by Warriors supporters, for the first time in December 2015.

The powerful forward came through the ranks at Sixways, joining full-time in 2004, and scored a try on his club debut against Wasps in 2008 before moving to Gloucester in 2010.

Cox spent four seasons at Kingsholm where he made 62 appearances and helped the Cherry and Whites qualify for the Heineken Cup in two campaigns while also winning the LV= Cup in 2011.

He returned to Sixways in 2014, playing an important role as Warriors won the British and Irish Cup and promotion to the Premiership in his first season back.

In his early days, Cox also represented England at under 18, 19 and 20 levels as well as featuring for England Sevens.

Cox said: “I am really happy to re-sign and to continue the journey that I came back to Sixways for.

“Worcester is obviously close to my heart and to sign a new deal was an easy decision.

“Playing for Worcester means an awful lot to me as it’s my home club and it makes that drive to play even more special.

“Hopefully now I can play a part in trying to move us up the Premiership table and to compete with the best sides in England and Europe in the coming seasons.”