FORMER Worcester Warriors ace Alex Grove has called on the Sixways faithful to give Chris Pennell the “standing ovation he deserves” when he runs out against Harlequins on Saturday (3pm).

The Aviva Premiership clash is set to see Pennell, who turns 31 today, become only the fourth player to make 200 appearances for Warriors.

And Grove believes the milestone further highlights his commitment to the club that he could have walked away from four years ago.

Back in the 2013-14 season Pennell was arguably at the peak of his powers as he produced a string of standout showings for Worcester.

But the full-back’s efforts were not enough to guide Warriors to safety as they were relegated to the Championship.

His performances did not go unnoticed, though, as he was selected for England’s summer tour to New Zealand in 2014 and claimed his first cap against the All Blacks.

Grove said his ex-team-mate also attracted the attention of several top-flight teams who were keen to secure his signature.

But Pennell, who made his debut for Worcester in 2007, decided to remain at his boyhood club.

“To reach 200 appearances shows how loyal he has been to the club,” Grove said.

“When we got relegated back in 2014 he had good offers lined up from Premiership sides.

“He could have walked away from Worcester.

“But it is fair to say that Chris recognised that the club stood by him when he had long-term injuries and they showed faith in him.

“It is not always easy to repay that loyalty but he has done so in bucket loads by staying and he has nailed down that 15 shirt for a decade.

“And there is life in him, that’s for sure.

“He will now get to run out at Sixways and I hope that he gets the standing ovation he deserves as he has been the most consistent player for Worcester in the last 10 years.”

Grove, who lives in Worcester, scored 29 tries in 153 games for Warriors before leaving in the summer of 2016.

The 30-year-old is now set to hang up his boots at the end of this season after winning the National One title with Coventry.

And the ex-Scotland international was also keen to praise Jonny Arr, 29, for his services to Warriors after reaching the 200-mark last month.

“It is important to mention Jonny,” Grove said.

“Jonny’s had a lot of criticism, more than Chris has had, and although we don’t want to go into that too much it is important to recognise it.

“He has come out and batted off his critics, got his head down, worked hard and actually performed at the time when he has been criticised the most.

“When you think about Warriors, Jonny and Chris are the first two players you think of as they have got 400 appearances between them which is unreal.

“They are players that I came through the academy with so they are great mates off the field and I am delighted that they have stayed with the club.

“They have played well and deserve their position within the team. It’s just a great achievement.”