HOOKER Darren Dawidiuk has extended his contract to stay at Gloucester rugby.

The Truro-born front rower has made 132 first team appearances for the Cherry and Whites, after joining the club from Cornish Pirates in the summer of 2009.

'Dukey' has proved to be a dependable and key member of the Gloucester squad, and his re-signing is another important step as David Humphreys continues to build the squad ahead of next season.

The 28-year old made his 100th appearance for the club when Gloucester beat Saracens in January 2015, and has gone on to make 17 appearances in the current campaign.

Director of rugby David Humphreys said: "As a coaching team, we are very happy that Darren will continue to be part of our squad. Since arriving at the club in 2009, Darren has shown a great attitude, both on the pitch and at the training ground, and works incredibly hard on all aspects of his game.

"Alongside Richard Hibbard and Tom Lindsay plus with the arrival of Motu Matu'u, we feel that the number two shirt is one of strength within our squad.

"We will continue to work very hard to ensure that our squad will be in the best possible position to compete on all fronts come the start of the new season, and reach the level of consistency that we all are striving for.”

Dawidiuk said: "To sign on again at Gloucester was a really easy decision for me, I love being part of this club and I hope to repay the faith shown in me by the coaching team.

"Since I arrived in 2009, I've been welcomed by the supporters and I've loved playing in front of them. It's a privilege and something I never take for granted.

"The challenge for me now is to keep working hard, pushing on and being a key part of the team. The competition for places in my position is a very good thing for all of us as it keeps us all focussed on being the very best we can.

"I've developed as a player from working with all the hookers that have played here during my time, and will continue to do so."