POPULAR captain Donncha O’Callaghan rejected offers from two other clubs to sign a new deal with Worcester Warriors.

Director of rugby Gary Gold said it was a no-brainer to have retained the services of the 38-year-old Irish lock.

And Gold believes O’Callaghan will finish his illustrious playing career at Sixways.

“I had two other offers but I have signed on and I don’t like to think of myself as a journeyman,” said O’Callaghan.

“I want to drive on with Worcester, achieve and to do better.

“When Worcester started chatting to me about a new contract I knew it was the only option for me and the only place I wanted to play.

“The training and recovery facilities allow me to perform every week and I think that’s a serious advantage for anyone looking to have an extra edge on their training.

“We also have a great group of lads who have 100 per cent underperformed this season and we’re disappointed with how we’ve gone.

“But there’s a massive drive to push on and I love what’s coming through the academy because there are guys who can take the club to another level.”

O'Callaghan, who made the move to Sixways in September 2015 after 17 seasons with Munster, will continue his playing career after an impressive two-year spell with Warriors.

In his first season at Sixways, O’Callaghan played in every Premiership game and has made 19 appearances in this campaign.

Since taking over the captaincy, O’Callaghan’s Warriors have been on a run which has seen them rack up 17 points in seven games, including wins over Bristol and Bath.

During a glittering international career, O’Callaghan made 94 appearances for Ireland, winning the Six Nations Grand Slam in 2009 while also having played four times for the British & Irish Lions, captaining them in South Africa in 2009.

O’Callaghan said: “I know there’s a massive challenge ahead but part of me signed on to stay up in the first year and push on in the second year. But I don’t think we’ve really done that. The biggest thing for me is balancing the family life as well so I am grateful to the support from home to continue playing.

“My wife knows how much I love playing and how much it means to me and she doesn’t want to be the one dashing my dreams.

“But we have four kids at home (in Ireland) so I am lucky at Worcester they’ve been understanding of that.

“There has been a chat (with the club) about the down time and when I am not involved and maybe I can be home a little bit more than I have been this season.”

Gold said: “In the cold light of day, I am not sure you would be chasing too many 38 year olds but when you have a specific individual and a quality professional like Donncha it was a no-brainer for us.

"We are delighted he has agreed to remain with the club next season.”

Gold added: “I’ve really wanted the guys to enjoy their rugby again and no-one has epitomised it more than Donncha. He understands we are here because of the supporters and we would not be privileged to do it without the loyal supporters.

“Worcester have amazing supporters. In our last three of four home games you would think we were a European contending club with the supporter base. It’s wonderful that a player like Donncha can acknowledge that and give something back.

“I think it’s safe to say Donncha will finish his very illustrious playing career at Worcester which is wonderful for us.”