Worcester Warriors' have secured the services of loosehead prop and academy graduate Kai Owen for another year.

The 23-year-old from Shropshire came through the Three Pears Warriors Academy to the senior squad at Sixways two years ago and has now made 20 appearances for Warriors, 11 of them this season.

Owen scored his first try for the club on his first start in the Premiership Rugby Cup win over Gloucester at Sixways in December and featured in five out of the six matches in the cup-winning campaign.

"I’m delighted to have signed a new contract. It’s always been a dream to play rugby professionally and to be at this club is amazing," Owen said.

"To be part of the squad that won the Premiership Rugby Cup is something that I will always look on with a lot of fondness. There are some very special memories for all the boys and I’m very proud to have been a part of that success.

"Getting regular game time this season has been important in my progression and hopefully I can progress that even more in the future.

"Steve Diamond has said that he wants me to work on the basics – scrummaging and lifts – and to get fitter and stronger. So, I am going to target that in the off-season."

Owen began his career with Telford Hornets, his hometown club, and, having been released from the Junior Academy at Sixways he was taken on to the Senior Academy after he impressed playing for Newport, North Midlands Under-20s and Worcester Cavaliers in the 2017/18 season.

He has made the most of his second opportunity, making his senior debut off the bench in the memorable European Challenge Cup victory over Stade Francais in Paris in October 2018 and then being capped by England Under-20s later that season.

"Kai, a product of our Academy, has the natural strength be a very good player,” said Warriors director of rugby Steve Diamond.

"He is very determined and with some good coaching will push on and give the other players in his position a run for their money."