Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie has signed a two-year contract extension with Exeter Chiefs.
The 20-year-old will now remain at Sandy Park until at least the summer of 2017.
And the Truro-born hooker – who dotted down in the Chiefs' last-day victory over Newcastle Falcons – is delighted to have the chance to continue his progression under head coach Rob Baxter.
"I'm really happy because it's always good to know you are wanted at a club," said Cowan-Dickie, who turned out for Plymouth Albion last season.
"I had another year left on my last contract, but Rob called me in, he spoke to my agent, and now this is a great opportunity for me to move forward with the Chiefs.
"This year has been really good for me in a lot of ways, but I know I still have lots to do. The move up from playing Championship to Premiership was massive, but it's good as it keeps me working hard.
"One of goals at the start of the year was to get some Premiership game time and although I was injured at the start of the season, this second half has been a lot better and it's been great to be part of the first team and playing in so many big games."
Baxter also admitted he was delighted to know that Cowan-Dickie had chosen to continue progressing at the club.
"I'm very pleased Luke has signed on with us," said Baxter. "It's very much like when Sam Hill signed a little while back, it's great that these young guys want to commit their futures to us.
"Having them on board and signed up means they can now settle down for the next three or four years and enjoy what they are doing here because they still have things to develop on."
In the last year, Cowan-Dickie – who began his rugby career as a prop – has played in both the Aviva Premiership and Heineken Cup this season.
Alongside a host of Chiefs youngsters, Cowan-Dickie also helped England under-20s win the IRB Junior World Championship, and the Cornishman spoke of his delight at watching his teammates make equally impressive strides at Sandy Park.
"It's good that we're all involved and playing games together," he said.
"Obviously Nowellsy (Jack Nowell) has led the way, but it shows that you can from being into the academy into the Premiership and then onto playing for England.
"Also a few of the other lads have been with the Saxons this season, so hopefully a few more of us do the same in the future.
"Playing with guys in the first team has been good, but it's even better when you've got guys your own age in there as well.
"There are a few of us who have grown up together over the years, so it's nice that we're all doing this together now. Obviously the aim for all of us is to keep improving and doing our best for the Chiefs."
