Mike Tindall agrees new Gloucester deal

Tindall has agreed a one-year extension (DAVID ASHDOWN)

England centre Mike Tindall will spend a seventh season at Gloucester after agreeing a new one-year extension to his contract with the Aviva Premiership club.

Tindall, 32, who has led England to three successive victories at the start of their RBS 6 Nations campaign in the absence of regular skipper Lewis Moody, joined the Cherry and Whites from local rivals Bath in 2005 and has gone on to make more than 100 appearances.

The 2003 World Cup winner, set to win his 70th cap against Scotland on Sunday, said: "I didn't really entertain the idea of being anywhere else to be honest. I love the club, the supporters, the area. Signing on again wasn't a difficult decision.

"Bryan Redpath (head coach) and the other coaches have created a great atmosphere around the club and we're all enjoying our rugby.

"This season has been good but we still have some massive games to come which will determine exactly how good it will have been once it's all over. I'm looking forward to playing my part."

Gloucester are currently preparing for this weekend's LV=Cup semi-final against Newport Gwent Dragons, while a run of five consecutive league wins has moved them into third place in the Premiership table.

And with the club emerging as challengers for silverware, coach Bryan Redpath is delighted to have seen one of his senior players commit to the Kingsholm outfit.

"Mike has been a huge part of what we've achieved to date and will be a big part of what's to come," he said.

"He's an influential figure on and off the pitch and having him on board is a big bonus for us."

Elsewhere, London Irish wing Adam Thompstone has agreed a new one-year contract with the club.

Irish academy product Thompstone returned to action in January after recovering from an ankle injury that kept him out of the game for 16 months.

Exiles head coach Toby Booth said: "We are thrilled that Adam has signed for a further season. He is a strong, quick, agile player, and one of the best finishers in England.

"The Aviva Premiership is incredibly competitive, so it is therefore imperative that you hold on to your best young players."

Meanwhile, promising Sale prop Henry Thomas has committed himself to the Edgeley Park club until the summer of 2014.

The 19-year-old tighthead started the season as the captain of Sale's reserve side, but a series of injuries and international call-ups saw him promoted to the first team and he has turned in some impressive performances during his 16 appearances to date.