RETAINING Worcester Warriors’ rising stars was the “biggest highlight” of last season for long-serving full-back Chris Pennell.

Jamie Shillcock, 19, Perry Humphreys, 22, Josh Adams, 22, and Jack Singleton, 21, all burst onto the scene in the 2016-17 campaign, making more than 70 first-team appearances between them.

Their sudden impact on the big stage led to reported interest from rival Aviva Premiership clubs.

But backs Shillcock, Humphreys and Adams all signed new contracts pre-Christmas before hooker Singleton earned a first-team deal in March and then an England call-up.

Having witnessed many of Warriors’ academy aces depart in his time at Sixways ex-England international Pennell felt the talented quartet’s decision to stay showed the club were in “really good hands.”

“Taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture we have got to look at the way our youngsters have come on,” said the Worcester-born 30-year-old.

“The way they have performed under extreme pressure was unbelievable and the fact we have retained these guys going forward is a huge positive for this club.

“It shows the intention we have got and it shows the future is in really good hands. That for me was the biggest highlight (of last season).”

Pennell also hailed the influence of director of rugby Gary Gold as he helped steer Warriors to safety.

Before Gold’s arrival in late January Worcester had won just two league games and were facing a scrap to avoid relegation.

But under the former South Africa assistant coach’s guidance Warriors chalked up wins against Saracens, rivals Bristol and Bath to finish 13 points clear of the drop zone.

“I think you can see from our performances in the second half of the season we knew exactly what was required from us out on the pitch,” Pennell said.

“That bit of clarity and direction gave us something to get behind.

“It is easy when you know what is expected of you and you know where you are going and I don’t think that’s going to change this season.

“It is not necessarily rocket science but we needed someone of Gary’s experience to come in and get us back on track.

“I would like to think that’s the way we are going to go forward as well.”

Pennell also believes Gold helped Warriors become an attacking force last term as they racked up 56 tries in the league.

“Gary has just reaffirmed a few basic ground rules which I think we needed,” Pennell added.

“He has given the back three licence to play what we see which is what we all want to do and that’s what excites us about the game.”