CHRIS Pennell will start at full-back in tomorrow’s Amlin Challenge Cup home clash with Biarritz Olympique (7.45pm) two days after signing a contract to remain at Sixways until at least 2017.

Director of rugby Dean Ryan has named a strong side for the third European clash of the season as his side look to leapfrog their opponents and move into second place in Pool One of the competition.

Dean Hammond, Alex Grove, Josh Matavesi and James Stephenson all keep their place in the backline.

The half-back combination sees Paul Warwick partner Jeremy Su'a for the first time since round two of the competition.

Hooker Ed Shervington and flanker Cam Goodhue are the only two changes in the forward pack as Warriors look to make it third time lucky in Europe.

Ryan said: "We've not made wholesale changes but it allows the opportunity for other people to come in and make a statement.

"It's not about competition. It's about the club and what is right for the club each time. The side is significantly different to the side from the start of the season and that's because of those opportunities that have been provided.

"For 60 minutes on Saturday we were outstanding against one of the best sides in the country and everyone can see the improvement in the physicality of the side over the last eight or nine weeks.”

Warriors: Pennell; Stephenson, Grove, Matavesi, Hammond; Warwick, Su'a; Ofa, Shervington, O'Donnell, Percival, Galarza, Goodhue, Betty, Thomas. Replacements: 16 TBC, Porter, Andress, Williams, Jones, Hodgson, Mieres, Stelling.