‘X-factor player’ Nanai sign on to Worcester by 2023 after a difficult first season

Melani Nanai has dedicated his future to Worcester Warriors by signing a contract extension that will keep him at Sixways until at least 2023. The former blues grand was a high-profile addition for Warriors last season, but has been frustrated by injury since arriving at the club, with his new deal a sign of the warriors’ trust in the player.

Nanai was operated on for a shoulder injury earlier this year, but is fully fit again while the English season has been interrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He has only played for the Warriors eight times.

“I am very pleased that Melani has decided to extend his stay with us until the end of the 2022/2023 season,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.

“Melani exudes talent and is an X-Factor player who has established himself as one of the leading lights in Super Rugby.

“The past season was difficult for him because he not only had to play two seasons in a row, but also because of an injury.

“He has now recovered well from his shoulder surgery and should be ready when we start playing again.

“With our new coaches and especially jockey [Matt Sherratt] I am confident that we will see the best of Melani and that he will become a key player for the team.

“Melani is a great guy and a real team man. I look forward to continuing to work together.”

Nanai, who played for his homeland Samoa at the 2013 Junior World Championships in France, won the New Zealand Miter 10 Cup with Auckland in 2018 and is looking forward to a longer stay at Warriors.

“It was an easy decision. I haven’t had as many options as I want because of the injury, but I just want to prove myself here and show what I can do, ”said Nanai.

“I had a lot of free time with the corona virus and that gives me time to heal my shoulder.

“The Premiership is a different kind of rugby than New Zealand. There are a lot of contacts, but it gave me the opportunity to see how the competition is doing here.

“It is good to see what potential we have here in the squad. Many of the talented boys have signed contracts and many good young people get through. “