“I AM NOT sure he would get in,” was Dean Ryan’s tongue in cheek response when asked whether Chris Pennell was knocking on his door for selection.
This comment, which was followed by a self-assured laugh, was evident of the strength in depth Worcester Warriors’ director of rugby has at his disposal at the moment.
Ben Howard is the current holder of the 15 jersey, with England international Pennell close to a return, while academy ace Perry Humphreys has demonstrated his ability at full back during the British & Cup campaign.
But when looking through Worcester’s squad it becomes clear there is strong competition for places throughout, which Ryan said has given his players added impetus to perform well.
“There is no point having 23 players who you know will be playing in the play-offs at the end of the season,” Ryan said.
“I don’t want that as it is not healthy and I would imagine forums are alive at the moment about who should be playing each week and that is where a rugby club should be.
“We are not nailing down our selections yet as we are making sure people are under pressure to play well.”
Ryan said the A League and British & Irish Cup campaigns have played a huge role in “reinvigorating” the club due to the amount of players taking their chances.
But he admitted it has also left him with a few more selection headaches as he said Jean-Baptiste Bruzulier has mounted a strong case for a start in the number nine shirt, which has already been a tussle between Jonny Arr and Charlie Mulchrone.
“We have gone from Jonny being our established nine to finding Charlie and now finding JB,” Ryan said.
“Charlie makes Jonny have to break more, Jonny makes Charlie have to pass smoother and then JB comes in and has got a different skill set.
“But it is brilliant and I don’t want to sound like I am gushing but I am in a proud space due to how some of those youngsters have risen to the top to give me real choice.
“I have no doubt that JB will play a part in the next few weeks because he deserves to and we want to see him in a different environment.
“Selection should not seen as where everyone is in the pecking order. Some of it is about giving people the chance to play, while other times it is about seeing different combinations.
“But we are picking from a much stronger hand now.”