WORCESTER Warriors are “rapidly” closing in on completing their retention process according to director of rugby Alan Solomons.

Tighthead prop Richard Palframan has become the third re-signing of the week and 13th player to commit his future to Warriors.

From January 1 players whose deals expire at the end of the season will be allowed to speak to interested clubs.

But Solomons has been quick to complete contract negotiations with his prize assets as prop Nick Schonert and the back-row trio of Ted Hill, Sam Lewis and Cornell du Preez have all agreed extensions.

Centres Ashley Beck and Francois Venter, utility back Gareth Simpson, loosehead prop Ethan Waller, hookers Niall Annett and Isaac Miller and locks Anton Bresler and Andrew Kitchener followed suit.

But with experienced duo Marco Mama and Jono Lance and rising stars Justin Clegg and James Scott out of contract next summer there are still members of Solomons’ current squad with futures to be resolved.

“We are closing in quite rapidly which is great,” said Solomons who had 11 players re-signed at this stage last term.

“I would like to get it wrapped up during the course of January.”

Palframan is the latest to put pen to paper after coming on in “leaps and bounds” following his arrival from London Scottish ahead of this season.

During his time at London Irish the 26-year-old missed almost the entire 2015-16 campaign due to a hamstring injury before damaging his anterior cruciate knee ligament the following season.

His wretched run of injuries forced him to leave Irish and join Scottish but he is now back in the Gallagher Premiership with Warriors and has impressed Solomons.

“I think Richard has done really well and has come on leaps and bounds with his scrummaging,” Solomons said.

“He has improved around the field.

“He had a terrible run of injuries as a young guy.

“He went back into the Championship after leaving London Irish and has worked his way back in.”

Palframan has made 11 appearances for Worcester with six of those coming in the Premiership.

Solomons added: “He started against Harlequins and last weekend (in the win over Irish) he came on after about 35 minutes and did really well.

“He has worked hard and added good value to the team.”