SARACENS boss Alan Gaffney has hailed scrum half Neil de Kock as 'world class' after the Springbok put pen to paper on a new deal that ties his to the club until 2010.

Despite still having 15 months to run on his current deal, Saracens have moved fast to reward one of their most consistent and effective performers.

Since his move from Western Province at the start of the season, de Kock has quickly settled into life with Saracens and formed an important partnership with fly-half Glen Jackson that has helped the club rise to third in the Guinness Premiership and win through to the semi-finals of the European Challenge Cup.

"Neil is an outstanding player who leads by example," said director of Rugby Gaffney. "To secure the future of such a talented player is fantastic news for Saracens. He's a world class player who is unlucky not to be involved in the Springbok side but we're delighted to have him.

"We couldn't wish to secure a better player and he has fitted in really well since his move. He's an excellent man to work with on and off the pitch and he's also a winner."

De Kock, 28, has made 20 appearances for Saracens this season and jumped at the chance to extend his stay with the Men In Black.

"I'm very pleased," he said. "It's been a good year so far and I'm really looking forward to the times ahead. It was a big surprise when the club approached me to extend my deal as I still had more than a year to run on my current contract. But it was something I didn't have to think that hard about.

"I feel that I've adjusted well and I've been here seven months now, but it's gone really quickly. With this new deal I'm looking forward to settling in even better and preparing for what is an exciting end to the season for Saracens."