HEAD coach Carl Hogg says Worcester Warriors are “geared up for growth” highlighted by five players picked for England Under 20s.

Huw Taylor, Jamie Shillcock, Jack Singleton, Sam Ripper Smith and Andrew Kitchener are all part of the England squad who will be looking to retain the Six Nations title.

But Hogg admitted it was disappointing home-grown full-back Chris Pennell had again missed out on selection for England’s senior Six Nations squad.

“We want to take young players through the academy and up through our first team and we are attempting to produce international players,” said Hogg.

“If we can get local players coming through our academy playing Premiership rugby with Worcester and they are good enough to play international rugby then that’s a huge positive for this club and that’s what every club should be geared towards.

“I think we have seen growth and we have got five players in the England under 20s squad which is fantastic.

“I think it is a record for the club to have that number at the same time in an under 20s squad.

“That bodes well for the club and in three or four years’ time we hope those guys progress through European competitions and are playing Premiership rugby in a year or two years’ time.”

Pennell, who has made more than 150 appearances for Warriors, has just one senior cap for England, gained in New Zealand in the summer of 2014.

Hogg said: “It’s disappointing someone like Chris is not involved in Test rugby but that’s where we need to go as a club and that’s what we will continue to do.

“Two years ago in the Premiership, Chris was phenomenal and got his opportunity to play for England in New Zealand.

“But he’s got a high level of competition in the England squad from Mike Brown and Alex Goode.

“They are good full-backs and Chris has probably got to do something phenomenal to get over the top of them.

“But Chris plays with his heart on his sleeve week in week out and has been hitting some really good form for us, which is great.”