CHRIS Pennell’s England Saxons call-up highlights the high-quality nature of the Greene King IPA Championship, according to Worcester Warriors team-mate Sam Betty.

Despite missing most of the first half of the season through injury, Pennell remained in the minds of the England selectors and was named in the Saxons squad to play Ireland Wolfhounds.

The 27-year-old full-back was sidelined for two months by a groin injury but is now fully fit and has joined Betty in a Warriors side who have won 18 successive matches.

After watching Pennell impress during Worcester’s relegation season last year, the flanker says a return to the international fold is no more than his club-mate deserves.

“Chris is a top player – he was one of the stand-out performers in the Premiership last year so it’s great to have him back with us after injury,” explained Betty.

“It’s great for him to be called up to the Saxons as well, so I’m really happy for him.

“I’m not holding my breath for an England call-up myself to be honest but it’s obviously good to see your team-mates doing well.

“There are some really great players in the Championship – I played for six years in the league with the Cornish Pirates and most of the guys from that era have gone on to play in the Premiership and even higher, so it just shows that it is a good league.”

An opening day 23-19 loss to table-toppers Bristol is the only league defeat the Warriors have suffered this season.

Betty admits confidence could not be higher at Sixways at the moment as they look to extend their 18-game winning streak against Doncaster Knights on Saturday.

The 28-year-old even notched the first hat-trick of his professional career in a 50-10 win over Moseley recently but insists promotion is more important than anything else for Worcester.

“Scoring isn’t normally my thing but it was a case of I’m at the back of the maul, so it was the guys in front of me pushing me over and doing the job and I just took advantage,” added Betty.

“Things are going really well and to keep winning is great for morale – we’re just trying to drive standards from within at the moment and hopefully keep our winning streak going.

“It’s hugely important for the club to bounce straight back to the Premiership and that’s the massive aim for this season.

“We’re obviously building towards that but it’s the old cliché that we’re taking things one game at a time.”

Formed in 2009, the Greene King IPA Championship is the second tier of professional rugby union in England. To keep up-to-date with all the latest news follow @ChampRugby on Twitter, or visit www.rfu.com/championship