WORCESTER Warriors back row Tom Dodd has become the latest member of the Three Pears Academy to graduate to the senior squad at Sixways.

The former Scotland under 20s international joined ahead of the 2016/17 season and has now signed his first professional contract with a two-year deal.

Having missed most of last season with knee and shoulder injuries Dodd has started in three of Warriors’ European Challenge Cup matches this season and also captained Cavaliers in their first five Premiership Rugby Shield matches.

Dodd, a former Warwick School student, follows the likes of Ted Hill, Ollie Lawrence, Will Butler, Justin Clegg, Andrew Kitchener and Joe Morris in progressing from the academy to the senior squad.

“Doddsy is yet another outstanding young home-grown Worcester player who has committed his future to the club,” said Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons.

“He is a big, physical and skilled number eight who I believe will play a big role going forward.

“He is also a terrific bloke and an excellent team man and I look forward to continuing working with him.”

Dodd, 22, made his senior debut for Warriors in an Anglo-Welsh Cup match against Sale Sharks in November 2017 and has furthered his senior rugby education with spells on dual-registration arrangements with Hartpury, Luctonians, Birmingham Moseley and Stourbridge.

“The academy has done really well over the last few years. We’ve had a number of players who have come through into the senior squad so it’s a good place to be,” Warwick-born Dodd said.

“It’s great to have signed my first full contract and I’m looking forward to being around the next couple of years and I will be looking to play as many games as I can.

“I had an operation on a knee and an operation on a shoulder last year but the club were great in looking after me and it’s good to know that you have the backing of the club.”