Proud Pennell reflects on 'Emotional' day

In 2007, a fresh faced 20 year-old Chris Pennell made his Premiership debut against Bath with no idea of the legacy and role he was about to have as a Worcester Warrior. He would go on to make 220 appearances for the Warriors as their fullback, joining prestigious 400 points club with the likes of Andy Goode and Shane Drahm. He was also rewarded for his consistent performances with an England call up in 2014 earning a cap against the All Blacks on their tour of New Zealand.

The most recent 9 of those 408 points came last Saturday in Worcester's narrow 33-30 defeat to top of the table Exeter Chiefs. Not only was this an important day for the club in the middle of their current relegation battle but on an individual level for Pennell, as it was his testimonial game with it being his testimonial season.

The proceeds made from the day were to be donated to Pennell's selected charities which were the Grace Kelly ladybird trust, Acorns Hospice and Diabetes UK. Pennell is also the founder of his Diabetes rugby academy which offers children and people with Diabetes the opportunity to play touch rugby and make new friends and share advice about the condition.

The Warriors legend was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes when he was 19 in the early stages of his career but said that hasn't held him back in his rugby journey. Speaking to Diabetes UK, Pennell said:

"When I was first diagnosed, I had no idea what impact it would have on rugby. I wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to play.

"So I asked the club doctor ‘what does this mean?’ And he said ‘Chris, we’ll get the best advice, but this isn’t going to stop you doing what you want to do.’ So from that moment on, because of his confidence, I was sure then that I was going to do everything I wanted to do."

"There were no doubt for me that I wanted to play sport at the highest level."

However, the 31 year-old was determined not to let the occasion distract from the importance of the performance of his side.

"I think today from my own mindset the biggest thing was about our performance as a team and I think I'll look back later tonight and look at the individual side of it, look at the achievement and probably have a glass of wine with my wife around that.

"The overriding emotions for today was that I wanted the guys to put a performance in that we can all be proud of. I'm disappointed we didn’t get the win but really pleased with the boys,” said Pennell.

Worcester showed desire and resilience in the second half to score four tries and secure a bonus point after being 19-6 down at half-time. To cap off the occasion for the Sixways faithful, Warriors' last try was scored by Pennell, accelerating through a defensive hole to step past Exeter's Santiago Cordero at fullback to score under the posts to give Worcester hope.

“It’s always nice to cross the whitewash, I’m obviously gutted for the lads that we didn’t get the result today but for me personally I was just so pleased with the effort that went in. I thought the boys were outstanding throughout the 80 minutes, the guys were putting their bodies on the line.

"To come back into the game the way we did and to play with the confidence that we did ,that for me will go a long way and for the rest of the season. We needed to get a bit of belief back after last weekend and I feel that we did that today.”

The two bonus points are vital for Warriors in their relegation battle with both Newcastle and Bristol both winning away from home on Saturday. They now sit just three points above Newcastle. However, Pennell believes they can get as many points possible to survive, saying:

“I think the position we are in at the minute league points are league points and we have to just get as many as we possibly can. We are disappointed because it could have been 3 more today but if we focus too much on the outcome, we will lose our way.

"For me the most heartening thing was the performance the boys put in and I’m incredibly proud of each and every one of them.”

With a number of Pennell's family there to watch on for the special day, the day was made even more special when he was able to run out onto the pitch with his children.

“It is a really special moment. I was more emotional when I came off from the warm up and I saw my little boy waiting for me in the background and I had to disappear off into the changing room and I got quite teary then.

"By the time it came to actually walking out on the pitch Millsy (Ryan Mills) and the guys had everyone riled up and ready to go so I think my game face was probably on at that point and it’s a really nice moment having my kids there and one I'll definitely remember for a long time.”

Before the game Warriors' Director of Rugby Alan Solomons made it clear contribution Pennell has made to the club, saying:

"Chris has been a fantastic servant to the club. He’s a good player, a good bloke and fantastic team man.

"He’s a very intelligent player, he’s consistent and reliable and a good all-round footballer. I hope that we can produce a performance that befits the occasion."

As a whole Pennell reflected on his career at Worcester fondly after the game, saying:

“It is so hard to put into words really but it’s been my home for a long time now , the best part of half my life so I owe this place an awful lot and I’m getting to play the game I love with an incredible group of lads that are all striving for success at this place.

"I’m privileged to be in the position that I am still in and I was born in Worcester, it’s my local team so I’m desperate for success here and I’m convinced it will come in the next few years.”

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