Supremely talented and versatile back Pennell, another product of the successful Warriors Academy, first burst into the senior team during the 2007/08 season when he made his Guinness Premiership debut against Bath Rugby.

The 22-year-old, comfortable playing at full back, wing and centre, made 20 competitive first team starts during his first senior season for Warriors, including 12 in the top-flight.

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, full back, 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."