STAR scrummager Nick Schonert insists Sixways is a “great place to be” as he looks poised to extend his stay at Worcester Warriors.

The prop’s current deal expires at the end of this season, but he revealed contract negotiations had started and said: “I am really happy with where I am."

A knee injury forced Schonert to miss the start of Warriors’ Gallagher Premiership campaign. But the 28-year-old is now back fit and will start against Sale Sharks at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).

Schonert is a key component of Warriors’ scrum and is on the fringes of the England squad as he pushes for his first cap.

Many players have departed during Schonert’s five years at the club but the tighthead who made his 100th appearance for Warriors in May is continuing to enjoy life under director of rugby Alan Solomons.

When asked whether contract talks had started, Schonert said: “There have been discussions.

“There are loads of things to weigh up so we will just have to see what happens.

“People leave the club and in a year’s time they talk about wanting to come back. That speaks for itself.

“I know in the past we might not have got the rugby right but off the field I think it’s one of the best.

“We will have to see what happens in the future. I can’t give too much away.”

Schonert has seen numerous changes to Warriors’ coaching team since his arrival from Cheetahs in 2014 but has become a big fan of the vastly-experienced Solomons who took over the reins in December 2017.

“I think the main thing is not to be complacent with anything,” Schonert said on working under Solomons.

“You have to remain driven and Solly has a great way of always keeping you on your toes.

“I really like the way he runs things.

“At the moment I am really happy with where I am and just really want to get back on the field and get this injury behind me.”

Schonert has also been delighted by the improvements at Sixways thanks to investment from co-owners Colin Goldring and Jason Whittingham who joined the club last year.

“They have done a lot for the club in the short time they have been here,” Schonert said.

“They have created more of a family feel at the ground with the kids zone and the new lights.

“They are showing a lot of investment.

“For the boys, it’s always nice to play when there are new things. You always get excited about that. It’s great place to be.”

Schonert sustained knee ligament damage in Warriors’ Premiership Cup defeat at Bath in September.

He was initially expected to be sidelined for three months but made an early return to action in last week’s European Challenge Cup match at Castres when he came off the bench in the second half.

“It’s great to be back,” Schonert said.

“Eight weeks out for any player is too long.

“Thankfully at this club we have got tremendous backroom staff that got me back fit and firing and ready to go.

“Sale are a class outfit so it will be a really good game to test ourselves.

“We want to win at home and play for our fans. It will be a great occasion.”

Sale sit in third position on 11 points but like seventh-placed Warriors they have also won two and lost two. On facing Sharks’ pack, Schonert added: “They have a great front row.

“Ross Harrison is one of the best scrummagers as well as being a lovely bloke.

“They have big forwards and know how to use their pack. They are a quality team.”