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Worcester Warriors captain Chris Pennell has agreed a new contract with the Premiership club.

The 24-year-old graduate of the club academy has made 70 appearances over five seasons, scoring 15 tries.

Pennell can play full-back, wing or centre but has been plagued by injuries in recent years.

"Chris has endured a wretched time with injuries and showed great resolve to come back," said head coach Richard Hill.

"At the moment we are seeing him get back to real top form again and show signs of the huge potential we all know he has got.

"Chris is a player who, from the first moment I arrived at Sixways, I have always been impressed by. He has an absolutely superb attitude and real leadership qualities."

The former England Under-19 player made his Warriors debut in the 2007-8 season and went on to make 12 top flight appearances that term.

He was struck down by a bad knee injury in the following campaign but returned to full fitness in 2009-10.

Then, just a few weeks after being named club captain, at the start of last season he injured his ankle and was ruled out for the first half of the club's Championship campaign.

"I'm obviously very pleased to be able to stay at a club that means so much to me," said Pennell.

"I am really enjoying my rugby at Sixways and being a part of the tight knit group of players. I'm excited by the club's plans and we have a very strong core of players that not only have the right work ethic but also a real determination to bring success."