Tom Varndell commits future to Bristol Rugby

Tom Varndell has signed a contract extension with Bristol Rugby.

Varndell, who equalled Mark Cueto's all-time Aviva Premiership try-scoring record of 90 tries at the start of the year, has committed his future with the club until the end of the 2017/18 season.

"I'm delighted to extend my contract with the club - there's a great deal of momentum with us at the moment and everybody wants to keep pushing forward," Varndell told bristolrugby.co.uk.

"I'm enjoying my rugby and the attacking brand that we are trying to play, it suits my game. I'm settled in the city and there is a great spirit among the squad which is translating into our performances on the pitch in the Premiership right now.

"I want to continue to represent Bristol in the top flight in the fantastic surroundings at Ashton Gate. We have a job to do to keep this club in the Premiership and I'm confident that we can achieve that with the quality and belief we have here."

Varndell was named December's player of the month after scoring five tries in seven Premiership matches and head coach Mark Tainton believes the 31-year-old winger is crucial to Bristol's survival hopes.

"When he is at his best, Tom is one of the most dangerous players in the league - he's a major asset to Bristol Rugby and has shown that in his recent performances," added Tainton.

"Tom wants to break that Premiership try-scoring record and he wants to help establish Bristol as a top-flight club, we want individuals with that sort of ambition and confidence in our group.

"The key for Tom now - as a senior player in our group - is to lead the way with his performances. He can engineer and finish opportunities out of nothing, and that creative spark will be crucial to us in the second half of the campaign."