Man mountain Greg Rawlinson has made a huge impact during his time with Worcester Warriors since joining in 2007 from Auckland Blues.

A lock from the traditional mould, Rawlinson is a fine lineout forward and strong scrummager, and generally provides an abrasive, physical presence around the field.

The former New Zealand international second row, who has made four appearances for the All Blacks, has been an almost ever present at Warriors since his arrival and had clocked up 75 games by the end of the 2009/10 season.

Rawlinson was born in South Africa and moved to New Zealand in 2002. The second row rejected overtures from the Springboks to remain in All Black contention and was rewarded with a call-up to face Ireland in 2006. He became only the second ever South African-born All Black, the other being Andrew Mehrtens who was also born in Durban.

Affectionately known as Dolph by supporters, Rawlinson played for the Blues in the Super 14 and North Harbour Rugby Union in the Air New Zealand Cup, and has previously played for Bay of Plenty in the National Provincial Championship (NPC), the predecessor to the Air New Zealand Cup.

In addition to his 25 matches for the Blues between 2004–06, also played one match for the Natal-based Sharks in 2003.

In 2005 he was named the North Harbour Player of the Year after playing in all 12 of North Harbour’s matches that year. He was selected as North Harbour’s Air New Zealand NPC MVP by New Zealand rugby writers and judged the overall winner of the Division One MVP award.

Rawlinson made his debut for the All Blacks in June 2006 against Ireland in Hamilton. He also faced the Emerald Isle in Auckland and played two games against South Africa in Pretoria and his home city of Durban in June 2007.

The giant lock attracted interest from teams around the world over his playing future towards the end of the 2009/10 term but opted to remain at Sixways by signing a new one-year deal and continue to play his part in the club’s future.

“I’m very settled and happy in the UK too so I’m delighted to be able to extend my stay with Warriors and that the club also wants to me to remain a part of its plans,” said Rawlinson.

“The fans have also been absolutely awesome ever since I turned up. It makes such a big difference and I would love to be able to bring them more success with my new contract.”