YORKSHIRE Carnegie have been given a major boost ahead of their Greene King IPA Championship clash with big-spending Worcester Warriors on Saturday.

Jonah Holmes, who has scored 22 tries in 33 appearances, has signed a new three-year contract with the club.

Holmes moved to Headingley last season on loan from Aviva Premiership outfit London Wasps and had returned this season on a permanent deal until the end of the campaign.

But he has now committed his long-term future to the club and coach Tommy McGee is delighted that one of his major strike players has agreed a deal.

"Jonah is a quality player who has huge amount to offer the game and I am delighted he is going to do that with us," said McGee.

"He made a massive impression on us last year but to get where we want to go and push for the play-offs, we need that type of quality within our squad.

"We have seen over the last couple of weeks that Jonah has the ability to break the line and kick out of the tackle.

"He can create something out of nothing and when games are tight, that is an invaluable quality.

"He has a lot to still learn about the game – he is still a young man – but he is the type of player we want at the core of our squad."

Director of rugby Chris Gibson added: "It is great news that Jonah has signed a three-year deal and he follows in the footsteps of our captain Ryan Burrows, who agreed a similar deal last year.

"There is a lot of work going on behind the scenes to build our squad for the challenges ahead in the coming seasons and it is a very exciting time to be involved with Yorkshire Carnegie."

Holmes, who recently scored four tries in the British & Irish Cup win at Aberavon, admitted he is excited about the future at Yorkshire Carnegie.

"It has been difficult in the last 18 months as obviously I have only been on loan at Yorkshire Carnegie," said the 22-year-old winger.

"You never know what the future might hold, so it is a great relief to have agreed a long-term deal and know where my future lies.

"We want to kick on this season and push once again for the play-offs. But more than that, the plans the club have for the future are exciting and ambitious and I am looking forward to being part of that."