JIM Jenner is set for a sensational return to Worcester Rugby Club.

The number eight will hold talks with chief executive Geoff Cooke at Sixways this week after being released by Newcastle Falcons earlier this month.

The 29-year-old left Worcester 12 months ago to taste Premiership rugby but with the return of Pat Lam last week, Newcastle's director of rugby Rob Andrew decided Jenner could leave Kingston Park.

Negotiations are believed to be at an early stage but Jenner will return from holiday in the United States in the next couple of days to discuss a contract.

The number eight was a popular figure with supporters and was voted joint player of the season along with Andy Higgins for the 1999/2000 season.

He is believed to be "very keen" on a move back to Worcester as the National One club look to mount another promotion challenge next season.

A Sixways source said: "Jim is very keen on coming back. He was very well known at the club and would love to return. After tasting Premiership rugby he know he wants to be part of getting Worcester into the top division. He has kept in touch with the club and even came back to play during the President's Day celebrations at the end of the season.

"Newcastle have said he is not part of their plans for next season. They have a number of young players coming through and with the arrival of Pat Lam, the writing was on the wall for Jim.

"He enjoyed his time at Worcester and I think feels he wants to finish off the job he started by getting the club into the Premiership."

Jenner spent three seasons at Worcester and in his final campaign, was joint top try scorer along with Nick Baxter on 13 tries. The 6ft 4in back-row forward's arrival will, however, put question marks over Dave Fryday's future at the club.

Former coach Adrian Skeggs was a big admirer of Fryday although the Australian came in for criticism by some supporters during last season. And after Skeggs was axed as director of coaching last week, Fryday could soon follow him through the Sixways exit door.