WORCESTER Warriors full-back Chris Pennell has signed a new contract with the club.

Pennell’s career has gone from strength to strength since director of rugby Dean Ryan came to the helm at Sixways, having been one of the club’s top performers in recent seasons.

In Ryan’s first year in charge, Pennell was nominated for the 2013/14 Aviva Premiership Player of the Season award after featuring in every minute of Warriors’ league campaign.

He was rewarded with an England call-up for their summer tour to New Zealand, making his international debut at Eden Park against the All Blacks before assisting and scoring in a clash against Super Rugby side Crusaders.

The full-back then played a key role in Warriors’ promotion-winning season of 2014/15, with an unforgettable try double in the play-off final second leg to help the club back to the top-flight, while also producing a man-of-the-match performance for England Saxons as they beat Ireland Wolfhounds in January 2015.

And during the 2015/16 campaign, the 29-year-old started all 22 Aviva Premiership matches for Warriors, topping the league stats for metres made while coming second in the list of carries.

Pennell said: “I feel incredibly lucky and proud to extend my career here at Worcester. I’m looking forward to doing my bit in shaping a successful future and I’m excited about the challenges ahead.

“We’ve got unbelievable fans, a coaching team I’m constantly learning from and great support staff keeping me fit and fed!

“Lastly, I’m so grateful to continue to be part of this team with such decent men and I’ll be giving everything to make them proud over the coming seasons.”

Pennell came through the Warriors ranks, bursting onto the scene for his Premiership debut back in 2007 and has since gone on to make 165 appearances for the club, scoring 34 tries.

Director of rugby Ryan added: “Chris has been an outstanding member of the squad both on and off the field and we’re delighted he’s decided to commit his future to the Club.

“We are looking to build a side capable of challenging Europe’s elite and Chris certainly possesses the qualities and characteristics which are essential to that.

“He is on board with what we want to achieve here at Sixways and he is one person who can certainly help us reach our targets.”


delighted to announce that Worcester born-and-bred full-back Chris Pennell has signed a new contract with the club.