Versatile back Chris Pennell has vowed to prove himself all over again as he nears a comeback from his long term injury layoff.
Pennell has been on the sidelines since rupturing his left anterior cruciate ligament during the European Challenge Cup clash with Bucuresti Oaks in January.
The talented 22-year-old, who has played 31 games and scored 32 points for Warriors, enjoyed an eye-catching season at Sixways Stadium and had established himself on the wing before injury struck.
Now he is just keen to get back out on the field and once again showcase his talents to the Sixways faitful.
“I’m definitely getting closer to a return, I should be joining in with the backs sessions soon and then just gradually building up the contact work that I am doing. I will be back in full training, hopefully, in the next couple of weeks,” said Pennell.
“I am targeting October as my comeback, plus some A League games just to get back with some rugby under my belt.”
Director of Rugby Mike Ruddock has praised Pennell’s maturity, determination and perseverance in dealing with his latest setback, after suffering a number of freak injuries in his career, including breaking his leg.
And Pennell acknowledges his past issues have helped him stay focussed on getting back to action and rehabilitating in the right way.
He said: “I learnt a lot from the first long layoff I had, I’ve very much focussed on the positives this time, right from the off.
“The first time I had a serious injury it hit me very hard and I got quite upset about it all. This time, I’m not saying it didn’t hit me as hard, but I immediately focussed on what I could get done during this time off.
“I’ve done a lot of work in the gym so that was a good opportunity for me to put some weight on which I have managed to do. You aim at just small goals along the way in terms of the rehabilitation.”