New captain Chris Pennell has described the opportunity to lead his home club as a ‘dream come true’ – and vowed to put his own mark on the role.
Exciting back Pennell has been revealed as Head Coach Richard Hill’s choice to skipper the Warriors in the RFU Championship season.
The Worcester born ace will lead the team out for the first time in league action next month when Warriors entertain Birmingham & Solihull on Saturday, August 28.
And the 23-year-old can hardly wait to get started in his bid to bring success back to Sixways.
“It’s a huge honour as a Worcester boy playing for my local team,” he said. “Being given the chance to lead my team, well it’s definitely a dream come true. I’m very happy and very excited, really looking forward to getting stuck in.
“Captaincy is something I’ve always done, in every age group team I’ve played for I’ve managed to be captain so it’s definitely something I was keen to do, something I always wanted to do.
“Richard Hill initially approached me to see if I would be interested in doing it, not offering it to me but saying that if it came would it be something I would like to do. I immediately said it would be something I would be keen to do and he then gave me a bit of time to think about things.
“He approached me a few days later and offered it to me, he told me to go away and think about it, think about what mark I wanted to make on the captaincy and let him know.
“The following day I made my decision and of course it would never be something that I would ever turn down – it was an easy decision to make and one I’m very excited about.”
Pennell will lead a Warriors squad that is packed full of experienced players who have had spells as leaders for club and country, such as Pat Sanderson, Greg Rawlinson, Kai Horstmann, Adam Balding and Aleki Lutui.
But the appointment of the versatile back has been given a ringing endorsement by team-mates.
“Pat is huge for this club and has always led from the front, he’s always going to be a team leader,” added Pennell.
“He has offered his support to me which I am hugely appreciative of. I know anytime I need help he will be there for me, which makes my job a lot easier.
“Pat has always had the club at heart and I know this place means the world to him, he’s done a fantastic job in what have often been difficult situations and next season I know he will show he is one of the best sevens in the country.
“I am fortunate that there are many leaders on the pitch with me, I am not alone in my role and I am very keen to get those guys doing what they do best and leading by example.
“It would be detrimental for me to stop a person from leading when that is what they do, but there is a lot of help for me which will be appreciated.
“It’s obviously up to me to put my own spin on things, which I am looking forward to doing.
“I ‘d like to think that I’m a kind of captain who would lead by example, with the standards I set and on the training pitch and giving everything every time I turn up to training and when I play.
“The first league game at home against Birmingham & Solihull will be special for me,” he added.
“I’m very excited, it will be a first for me walking out first onto the pitch with the crowd there and it will be a really special day. I’m looking forward to it already and the season getting underway.”
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