AUSTRALIAN playmaker Jono Lance admits he is “excited” by “proactive” discussions which could see him stay at Worcester Warriors.

The Aviva Premiership club are currently holding talks with Melbourne Rebels over the possibility of extending Lance’s deal.

The fly-half is expected to return to Australia after Warriors’ clash at Saracens on Saturday (3pm) to start training with Rebels ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby campaign.

But departing director of rugby Gary Gold has spoken of his desire to keep the 27-year-old until the end of the season as Warriors bid to beat the drop.

“Obviously I have got a contract back in Melbourne at the moment,” said Lance who joined Worcester on a short-term deal in mid-October.

“But discussions are taking place at the moment and they’ve been proactive.

“I think everyone from both parties have been part of them so the conversations have been happening which is exciting.

“The conversations with Gary have been positive and I think that’s just a manifest of how much I have enjoyed my time here and how much I really get along with the squad.

“Nothing is set in stone but it’s pretty nice to know that is happening in the background.”

Lance arrived at Warriors after turbulent spell with Western Force who were axed from the Super Rugby competition due to financial reasons.

The stand-off said he jumped at the chance to make the move to Worcester and felt he had improved as a player.

“It has been a great few months,” said Lance.

“I have learned a lot since I have been here in terms of footy and off the field as well.

“I think the Premiership is one of the great competitions in the world at the moment as every team is putting out really strong starting 15s. It has been a great experience.

“I think you need to keep growing as a player so when this opportunity popped up and I jumped at it and tried to get over as quick as possible.

“It took a while to happen but when I got here I was really excited about learning new things and being free from the extra stresses that I had throughout the year.”

Lance has hopes of claiming his first international cap and under Australia’s ruling he will need to play in his homeland to receive a call-up.

“It is still a goal of mine to play for the Wallabies,” he said.

“I got really close last year as I was on the bench but didn’t come on and that drive is still there.

“I feel like I am better player to be honest than I was before I came over here.

“One of the main reasons why I wanted to come over was because I have only a few years in the position I feel is my own which is five-eighths.

“So it has been really exciting to learn how to play (in that position) here.”

Asked whether he was optimistic about remaining at Warriors beyond this month, Lance added: “I am definitely hopeful, but at the same time I am pretty excited about my opportunity back in Australia.

“The best thing at the moment is that the conversation has started.

“It can only be a healthy one for people to want you on both sides of the world.”