WORCESTER Warriors appear to have not given up hope of keeping hold of Melbourne Rebels-bound fly-half Jono Lance.

Rebels confirmed the signing of the Australian ace for the 2018 Super Rugby campaign earlier this week.

The announcement seemed to dash any chance of Lance staying at Sixways beyond the end of 2017 when his Warriors deal finishes.

But director of rugby Gary Gold admitted he could ask Rebels to extend his “loan” period at the Aviva Premiership strugglers.

The 27-year-old is expected to return to Australia at the start of 2018 as the Melbourne side prepare for their Super Rugby opener on February 23.

“We got him out on loan from the Rebels and we can ask the question if there is a possibility for him to stay,” Gold said.

“At this moment in time there is no drama as he was always going back for pre-season at the beginning of January.

“If that changes, that’s great for us.”

Lance has already made a positive impression since joining Warriors on a short-term deal in early October.

He has made five appearances, including a man-of-the-match display in their 41-35 loss at Harlequins last month.

The former Western Force playmaker was brought on board to cover for the injured Tom Heathcote (concussion) and Ryan Mills (quad).

Although Mills has comeback from his injury, Heathcote has suffered a further blow to his head and Jamie Shillcock is recovering from surgery.

But Gold insisted he was “pretty settled” with his options for the number 10 shirt if Lance leaves Worcester.

“Our plan was to bring him in while Millsy was still struggling with his injury and Tommy was out,” Gold added.

“Jono has come in and done a pretty good job for us.

“Our plan is that he will go back and hopefully Tommy and Jamie will be back available soon. We’ve also got Sammy Olver and obviously Millsy is playing well.

“But we will see.

“We can ask the question but at this stage we always knew that he was going back.”