Howard hopes to follow Pennell's footsteps - The Worcester Observer

Howard hopes to follow Pennell's footsteps

Worcester Editorial 23rd Oct, 2013 Updated: 19th Oct, 2016   0
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WHILE full back Chris Pennell has been in the form of his life for Worcester Warriors, rising star Ben Howard has been left waiting in the wings.

Last season a fresh-faced Howard found himself thrust into the limelight as he made his Aviva Premiership debut against Leicester Tigers in September last year.


The 20-year-old then capped off his breakthrough campaign, where he made nine appearances, by winning the u20s World Championship with England.

This seemed to set Howard up for a big push for a first team jersey this season, but the talented back has so far remained in Pennell’s shadow as the former Warriors skipper continues to produce top class performances.

However, Howard, who featured in both of Worcester’s Amlin Challenge Cup clashes this month, said he has been happy to bide his time and witness the form of Pennell, who he describes as his “role model”.

“Obviously Pens (Pennell) has been the stand out player in the team, so I have not been too bitter about having to wait,” he said.

“I am still learning a lot off him, but I am really enjoying it.

“He is a lovely guy and he has always got time. For instance, he has been going through a few of my matches with me on the videos and given me some tips on where I can improve.

“It definitely helps having someone like Pens there as he has been in my situation before as an academy player at Worcester, so I think he is a great role model to have within the squad.”

But the academy ace, who has been a key figure for Worcester Cavaliers, also knows he has got to raise his game whenever he gets an opportunity to stand any chance of competing with Pennell for the number 15 shirt.

“I was obviously very lucky last year as a lot of the boys were injured and I was sort of forced in by necessity,” Howard said.

“But this year I see myself and I am trying to present myself as a viable option rather than a young guy who they can just throw in if they need to.

“I was also getting chances on the wing last season, which was great for me in terms of getting game time, but I think full back is my position, so I am looking to be the second full back behind Pens, so when I do get my chance I have to take it.”

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