'Outstanding' starlet to stay at Sixways
Tue, 02 Feb 2010 12:30
Worcester Warriors secured the future of a player they label a 'prodigious young talent' on Tuesday as 22 year-old wing Chris Pennell agreed a new two-year deal.
A talented and versatile back Pennell is another product of the successful Warriors Academy. Bursting into the senior side during the 2007/08 season with a debut against Bath Rugby, the young star is comfortable playing at full back, wing and centre.
Worcester born and bred, Pennell represented England at Under-19 level and became a key performer for the club during the 2008/09 campaign until he suffered a serious knee injury in Europe.
The dynamic back has since returned to full fitness, grabbing a tries against Connacht Rugby and Olympus Rugby XV Madrid this season, and has been praised by Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock for his commitment and determination to battle back from injury in recent seasons and continue his development.
"It's a big boost to us that Chris Pennell has signed for two years," said Ruddock. "He is an outstanding young man with a strong work ethic and high skill level.
"He has overcome a number of injuries over the last couple of years and always comes back fitter, stronger and better then he was at the time of the injury.
"From that point of view, Chris is an inspirational character and I really believe the best is yet to come from him and he has the potential to follow the likes of Matt Mullan, Miles Benjamin and Tom Wood into representative rugby.
"Apart from his obvious all-round rugby skills, the fact that he can play wing, fullback, outside centre and even kick goals just shows what a prodigious young talent he is and at 22 the best is yet to come in Worcester colours."
Pennell, who has made 36 appearances for Warriors and scored 42 points, revealed his delight at agreeing a new contract at his home club.
"I'm very pleased to sign and be here for another two years," he said. "I really love it here, I'm Worcester born and this is my team. I want to play a big part in bringing this club a lot of success.
"I've always had wonderful support from the club, throughout everything I have been through, which made this a very easy decision.
"The club had invested a lot in me and I'm hoping over the coming years to pay that back."
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