WORCESTER Warriors’ former England Under-20 loosehead prop Kai Owen has committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension.

The 22-year-old from Shropshire signed his first full contract last year having graduated from the Three Pears Warriors Academy after been given a second chance with Warriors.

Owen was initially released from the Junior Academy but spells at Newport in Shropshire and at county level for North Midlands earned another opportunity at Sixways with the Cavaliers which he has grasped with both hands.

He made his debut as a replacement in the famous European Challenge Cup victory over Stade Francais in 2018 and has now made ten appearances, the most recent at Pau in December.

“I’m grateful and excited to extend my stay with the club,” Owen said.

“I’m looking forward to wearing the jersey and being a part of the vision the club has.

“We have top coaches here and hopefully I can get some decent game time to give back to the club and the fans for the support they have given me.”

The talented prop has not had many minutes in the 20/21 campaign but did play for Coventry RFC recently in a pre-season friendly against Saracens.

Despite limited game time, head coach Jonathan Thomas is excited about what Owen has to offer.

“The challenge for front rowers is that as big men their job description is to do the ugly and unseen parts of rugby, the scrum and maul,” he said.

“But, with the way the game has evolved, you also need players who can add value around the field. Kai is very explosive and he’s genetically gifted.

“Front row forwards take time to mature but Kai is very clear about his improvement. He needs games and to be part of our conditioning programme but he works very hard and we are excited about his potential.

“He showed good resilience to come back into the Academy programme having been rejected. I have had good conversations with Kai about what he needs to do and he is desperate to do well here.”