Gloucester scrum-half Willi Heinz signs new contract
Thursday 17 November 2016 14:17, UK
Gloucester scrum-half Willi Heinz has joined Billy Burns and Henry Purdy in signing a new contract.
The 29-year-old moved to Kingsholm at the beginning of last season from the Crusaders, having overcome a nasty leg injury, and has become a regular in the Cherry and Whites' first-team squad.
He has made 24 appearances to date and recently captained the team in the European Rugby Challenge Cup win in Bayonne.
Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys said: "Willi has been a really important part of the squad since his arrival. He was one of the first players that we signed at the club, and I'm excited to see what more he has to give in Cherry and White.
"What Willi brings to the squad both on matchday and during the week is hugely valuable, with his input, his leadership and his knowledge of the game, as well as his calmness on it.
"We have an exciting pool of young half-backs at the club, and they all pay testament to what they can learn from Willi as well as Greig Laidlaw."
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Christchurch-born Heinz, who is England qualified, said: "When I arrived at the club from Crusaders last summer, I was taken aback by the welcome I received from the squad, the staff and the supporters, and I have been made to feel really at home in Gloucestershire.
"Behind the scenes I have loved the environment in the squad, and the drive that we all have to improve and drive this club forward.
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"I look forward to what is next for me at the club. I'm still working hard to improve my game, and I hope to contribute to the team and the squad as we look to achieve our goals."
Burns and Purdy signed new deals earlier in the week and Humphreys has also acquired back-row forward Carl Fearns from Lyon for next season.
