LUKE Baldwin believes loyalty within the game is “fast disappearing” after agreeing a long-term contract at Worcester Warriors.

The 27-year-old scrum-half has been at Warriors since the summer of 2015 and said he wanted to repay the “faith” the club had shown in him by signing a new three-year contract.

A bicep injury hampered his hopes of challenging for the number nine shirt at the start of this campaign.

But Baldwin has scored two tries in seven games since his return and said he was delighted to secure his future at Sixways.

“I am very pleased to have the new contract signed up and committed myself to Worcester for another three years,” Baldwin said.

“Obviously the club have struggled a bit this year but in terms of the guys that have signed on it shows that everyone wants the club to be going in a certain direction.

“Hopefully the longevity of the contract will give me time to help get the club to where they want to get to.”

Baldwin has made 32 appearances for Warriors but faces competition from Francois Hougaard, Jonny Arr and Michael Dowsett for a starting spot.

“I am 27 years old and entering into the latter stages of my career,” he said.

“The security aspect was quite important to me. To be honest there is always a bit of interest everywhere.

“Whether that comes to anything or not is another kettle of fish but for me loyalty within rugby is something which is fast disappearing.

“That’s fair enough with the nature of contracts and people can sometimes get out of them early doors.

“But I wanted to show a loyalty to Worcester as people have shown faith in me.

“I don’t want to be a player that is floating around loads of different clubs and I do believe there is a good enough group of people here.

“For me, staying at Worcester was always going to be my first option and then it was down to the club whether they wanted to offer me a new contract.

“Thankfully we are all on the same page in that respect.”

Baldwin began his career at Saracens and made five first-team appearances after signing his first professional contract in 2010.

He was part of the Bristol side who reached the 2013-14 Greene King IPA Championship play-off final, making 25 outings before arriving at Warriors.

Baldwin follows in the footsteps of Dean Hammond, Ryan Mills and Sam Lewis who have put pen to paper on new Warriors deals.

Director of rugby Alan Solomons said: “Luke is a great character and a good team and club man.

“He is a fine athlete and tremendous competitor and I’m delighted that he recognises his future lies at Sixways.”