BACKS coach Sam Vesty has refused to rule out the possibility of Worcester Warriors signing fly-half Jono Lance for next season.

Warriors had been in discussions with Melbourne Rebels in a bid to retain Lance’s services after the Australian made a big impact during his three-month stint at Sixways.

But the saga took another twist on Monday when it was announced the 27-year-old would be joining Queensland Reds ahead of next month’s Super Rugby season.

The surprise move dashed Warriors’ hopes of getting Lance back on board for the rest of this term.

But Vesty admitted it was not out of the question for Worcester to land the playmaker in the 2018-19 campaign.

“For Jono to have signed for the Reds is disappointing for us but that’s the nature of rugby,” Vesty said.

“It is not a case where there is no chance (we can sign him for next season) but it will be decided between the parties further down the line.”

If Warriors were able to pull off a deal to sign Lance, it is likely he would not join them until after the Super Rugby season ends in August.

But Vesty does not believe that would be an issue for the club nor for Lance.

The former Western Force ace made eight appearances for Worcester and Vesty said he brought a “breath of fresh air” to Sixways.

“Players of a certain calibre can definitely learn things very quickly and step in,” Vesty said.

“Lots of people have done that in the past. Whether that’s something that will happen is for discussions further down the line.

“Jono is a really good ball player. He played with confidence and brought a lot of confidence out of our guys.

“I think he was a breath of fresh air in that respect. We were on a bit of a downer and needed someone from the outside like him.

“He is a very good attacking rugby player and certainly added to us and gave us what we needed at that time.”

Lance arrived at Warriors in October following a turbulent spell with Western Force who were axed from the Super Rugby competition due to financial reasons.

Melbourne then announced the signing of Lance in late November.

But with the Rebels well stocked with playmakers and Quade Cooper set to leave the Reds Lance saw an opportunity to return to his former club and nail down the number 10 shirt.

“I spent a lot of time at Ballymore in the early stages of my career so it was a great feeling to be driving back through the gates again," Lance said.

“I know the guys have been working hard in pre-season so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens over the next few weeks.

"It’s really exciting to get back and pull on the Reds jersey again.”

Reds head coach Brad Thorn said Lance was a good fit for the squad and provided added depth and experience.

“Jono is a great addition to the squad," Thorn added.

"He’s well known as a good bloke and a tough footballer. He’ll bring plenty of experience and smart rugby to the backline."