Worcester Warriors fans will today receive the news they have been waiting for when the club announce they have re-signed evergreen front row forward Tony Windo.

The loosehead prop has agreed another 12-month contract with director of rugby John Brain which will extend Windo’s career at Sixways into a ninth season.

Since he arrived from Gloucester in 1999, Windo has become a legend with Warriors faithful and has not only defied his advancing years and retained his place in the first team, he has performed so well he is still considered one of the best operators in his position in the Premiership.

His participation this season has been restricted by injury and he didn’t make his first appearance of the campaign until November – when Worcester won for the first time all term at Saracens.

Since then he has been phased in and out of the side and used as an impact player, featuring in the wins over Bath, Sale and Newcastle that have given the club and unlikely chance of avoiding relegation.

The legendary forward has also played in 196 other first team games for Warriors, including 50 in the Premiership, since making his debut against Manchester in September 1999.

Brain welcomed the move: “Tony has been really unlucky with injuries this season, however I’m certain these are behind him and with a good pre-season, can once again be a force for us next season.”

Gloucester-born Windo, who has previously captained the side in the absence of Pat Sanderson, won representative honours for England Under-21s in 1990 and England in 1998.

“I’m delighted to sign a new deal with Warriors and it was an easy situation,” said Windo. "I love being at Sixways and the fact that the club want me to stay on a little longer is great.

“I had a frustrating start to this season but since I’ve returned I feel like I have been given a new lease of life.

"I feel in good shape and feel I have something to offer. My enthusiasm for the game is as strong as it has ever been.”