Chris Pennell is still dreaming of playing for England, despite the fact his Worcester Warriors side will be competing in the Greene King IPA Championship this season.

Pennell's performances last season were a rare highlight for the Warriors in a difficult campaign that ended with relegation from the Aviva Premiership.

Despite winning his first cap for England in New Zealand this summer, Pennell has rejected talk of a move away from Sixways, insisting that he can force his way into Stuart Lancaster's squad with the strength of his performances in the second tier.

"After tasting some international rugby in the summer, I've come back even hungrier than I was previously to get back to that level again," Pennell told the Cotswold Journal.

"The strength of this division is such that I don't think it's going to make any difference in catching Lancaster's eye. Ultimately, it rests on me to keep performing but there are so many strong teams and players at this level that I will be tested."

Worcester Warriors begin their Championship campaign with a trip to Ashton Gate to face fellow promotion contenders Bristol Rugby tomorrow.