Chris Pennell: Worcester Warriors ‘club legend’ to exit as part of huge reshuffle

Worcester Warriors full-back Chris Pennell is to leave after 14 years’ service – mostly in the Premiership.

The 34-year-old once-capped England international, who has been used sparingly this season, is part of an end-of-season dressing room reshuffle.

Prop Nick Schonert, 29, an ex-England squad pick, and Scotland international Cornell du Preez, 30, will also leave.

Both forwards have been released early from their contracts and given permission to talk to other clubs.

Former captain GJ van Velze, 33, is also part of a 20-man exodus from Sixways that includes four already confirmed moves – scrum-half Francois Hougaard to Wasps, winger/full-back Nick David to Harlequins, Scotland international fly-half Duncan Weir to Glasgow Warriors and utility back Scott van Breda to Jersey Reds.

Schonert, who came from Cheetahs in his native South Africa, and Van Velze, who joined from Northampton, are Warriors’ two most continuously long-serving players, having both arrived in 2014.

In addition, it has now been announced that lock George Merrick and tight-head prop Richard Palframan are to both join Newcastle Falcons.

Prop Callum Black and back-row forward Matt Cox announced earlier this week that they are retiring from professional rugby.

The other eight players to leave are back-row forwards Marco Mama and Matti Williams, scrum-halves Jono Kitto and Michael Heaney, Samoa international wing Ed Fidow, tight-head prop Conor Carey, hooker Matt Moulds and scrum-half Luke Baldwin, who has spent the past two seasons on loan with Dragons in the Pro14.

Warriors have so far made nine signings for next season, including five internationals, Wales stand-off Owen Williams, England scrum-half Willi Heinz, Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe, Wales hooker Scott Baldwin from Harlequins and Tonga number eight Sione Vailanu from Wasps.

Worcester will also bring in Bath scrum-half Will Chudley and three forwards – props Christian Judge and Jack Owlett and the versatile Kyle Hatherell from Jersey Reds.