WORCESTER News understands that Worcester Warriors' flanker Kyle Hatherell has attracted serious attention from England head coach Eddie Jones and his staff.

The Australian names his side for the Guinness Six Nations on Tuesday and there is a strong belief that Hatherell could well be one of a number of uncapped players included in the squad.

Born and raised in South Africa, Hatherell was playing in the Championship with Jersey Reds until nine months ago when he signed for Worcester.

Not many knew who he was when he first arrived but nine months on, he is one of the standout performers in the Worcester side and has nailed down a starting place at number six this season.

England coach Jones was at The Rec for Warriors trip to Bath a couple of weeks ago and is supposedly very keen on Hatherell.

It would be quite the story; from playing second tier rugby one season, to starting for Worcester in the Premiership and now a potential slot in the England Six Nations squad.

"When we first saw him playing for Jersey I remember flagging him up as someone we should look," said Worcester head coach Thomas.

"And the more we looked at him, the more we thought he could certainly make an impact at Premiership level with his physicality.

"The challenge then is a personality thing. I spoke to him over zoom and I figured out straight away that he was a really good kid, really keen to excel in the game.

"He's a bit of a late bloomer but sometimes they are the ones who haven't done it the normal way and they have built some character and resilience because of that.

"He has done the hard yards, he's a tough boy and his stats are up there with any of the back rows in the country.

"There is still a lot of growth, still his first year but he's getting better all the time and he has that want to develop and he listens, works hard and does all the things necessary to be successful at this level."