JIM Jenner believes Worcester Rugby Club's task will be tougher than ever next season if they are to make it into the Zurich Premiership.

The number eight, who last month re-signed for the Sixways club after a one-year taste of the top flight with Newcastle Falcons, knows exactly how difficult it will be to win National One when the season begins in September.

Relegated Rotherham will provide the main opposition for the Gold'n'Blues after strengthening their squad following 12 months of vital Premiership experience.

However, the 29-year-old is determined Worcester must learn from their mistakes after a number of disappointing results against lowly sides.

Worcester missed out on bonus points against some of the poorer teams in the division and that, coupled with a defeat at Moseley and a draw at Birmingham & Solihull, eventually cost them the title as Leeds Tykes won promotion.

Jenner said: "It is one hell of a hard league, there is no doubt about that. I had two years in the division with Worcester trying to get out of it.

"Even though, overall, the standard is well below the Premiership, there are so many sides in National One who, on any given day, can put up such a strong performance.

Despite interest from European champions Leicester Tigers and Premiership new-boys Leeds, Jenner decided to return 'home' with a brief to get Worcester into the big-time.

Jenner added: "Speaking to Cecil Duckworth, you cannot but be impressed with his vision for the future. If I had gone to Leicester, I would have probably spent most of the season on the bench and I was not quite sure about Leeds.

"Worcester have some excellent players for next season and I am confident that we can win promotion but it is not going to be easy."