ON-song full-back Chris Pennell has displayed remarkable loyalty to Worcester Warriors by extending his contract with the Sixways club until June 2017.

The 26-year-old has been head and shoulders Worcester’s best player so far this season and it is a real coup that the club have been able to persuade him to agree terms on a new deal.

With the club currently facing up to a very real threat of relegation from the Aviva Premiership, it is testament to Pennell’s commitment to the cause that he has re-signed.

Pennell has enjoyed the best form of his career under Dean Ryan and the England hopeful has clearly been impressed by the new director of rugby’s blueprint for Warriors.

Ryan said: “This announcement comes as a statement of our long-term intentions and illustrates that our top players are buying into the vision.

“Chris has had a huge impact on the team this season and I am delighted that he has chosen to be part of this club for years to come.

“Not only has he shown tremendous commitment on the field, but his desire to stay with the Warriors until at least 2017 clearly demonstrates a passion to succeed at the club in which he began his career.

“I know this news will be welcomed by his teammates, supporters and everyone associated with the Warriors.”

After putting pen to paper, Pennell added: “I’m really excited about the direction the club is going and I’m happy to extend my contract.

“The fact that I’m improving as a player is credit to the coaching set-up and how much it suits me and I’m excited about the prospect of developing further here. I’m confident that success is just around the corner for us and I want to be a part of that.”

Warriors chief executive Charles Cameron said: “Chris is having a fantastic season and clearly believes this club has an exciting future.

“We are building a side which is capable of long-term success and it is great Chris wants to be part of that.”

After coming through the Warriors academy, the full-back became a club centurion against Harlequins at the end of last season and is the longest-serving player at Sixways.