Horstmann joined Worcester from Harlequins in 2005

Worcester Warriors new skipper Chris Pennell will be able to fall back on the experienced back row Kai Horstmann as his vice-captain next season.

Hortsmann, who has previously skippered Warriors in European games, has played more than 130 times for the club.

"I'm delighted to be asked and massively excited," said the former England Saxons player.

"It's certainly something I am looking forward to doing, in what is a big season ahead for us."

He added: "It's great that [head coach] Richard Hill has put that trust in me and I'm looking forward to helping Chris in his role.

"We're all pleased that he has got the captaincy. He is a great character and really leads by how he plays and trains."

Horstmann, who was also a member of the IRB World Sevens Series squad in the 2003/04 season, added: "We have a huge amount of leaders in the squad already.

"That makes life a lot easier for us, we are very lucky in that respect, we have a huge amount of experience right through the squad.

Pennell told BBC Hereford and Worcester he is pleased to have Horstmann to consult during their first season out of the English top flight in six years.

"The boys will get behind him, he is a vastly experienced campaigner for this club and it means a lot to him," he said.

Pennell, who has taken over from Pat Sanderson as Worcester captain, said he has been given great support from his team-mates and Sanderson was among the first to offer his help.

"He has been incredibly supportive. To have someone of Pat's calibre saying that to you as a young player means the world.

"It will be an exciting season and an exciting few years to come. This year with new coaching coming in you just want to knuckle down and do what you do best.

"Luckily for me the kind of things I have been showing in training are what Richard [Hill] is after."

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