Thinus Delport staying with Saxons

Stourbridge Saxons have been handed an early Christmas present with the news that former Springbok international Thinus Delport has agreed to extend his stay.

And the Stourton Park player-coach, who joined the National One side during the summer, will take on a new role as skills and performance coach in addition to his work alongside head coach Tony Windo.

Delport, who has made several try-scoring appearances for Stourbridge this term, has agreed to an initial one-year extension to his contract and his continued presence at one of the Midlands' most ambitious clubs is a measure of their long-term aims.

Chairman Dick Jeavons-Fellows said: "Thinus shares our ambitions and values. His experience as a professional player, and his worldwide contacts at the top of the game, bring significant strength to our coaching set up.

"Stourbridge aims to be home for the region's best players. We are building a professional culture where everyone enjoys playing attacking, entertaining rugby. Top coaching staff is a key part of the mix.

"Thinus will be considering every element of what Stourbridge offers to ambitious players. Professional conditioning programmes that prevent injuries will be under his remit in addition to position specific skills development.

"While we still have a lot to prove this season, I'm very excited that Thinus and Tony Windo will be helping us deliver during the 2011-12 season as well."