JIM Jenner has snubbed Leicester and Leeds in a bid to guide Worcester Rugby Club into the Zurich Premiership.

The 29-year-old signed for the Sixways club last night despite interest from the two top-flight outfits and is now more determined than ever to win promotion with the Gold'n'Blues.

Out-of-contract Jenner, who left Sixways 12 months ago to move to Newcastle Falcons, said the lure of the Premiership was strong, but the challenge of taking Worcester into the big time was more appealing.

He said: "I've come back to Worcester and I'm very excited about the move. I felt I needed to get away last year and play some Premiership rugby, but I'm just very keen to be a part of a Worcester side that gets them out of the first division."

Chairman Cecil Duckworth has signalled his intent to make Worcester a major force in the game with a string of impressive signings already this summer and was prepared to make Jenner one of the highest paid players to ward off Premiership clubs.

With Leicester Tigers and particularly Leeds Tykes interested in the powerful number eight, the race for his signature was a close one but ultimately, it came down to Jenner's love of the club and the city.

"I like Worcester. I enjoy living here and I've also had good times at the club before. There was a fair bit of interest from other teams but Worcester's where I want to be."

Sixways' chief executive Geoff Cooke, who this week snapped up Richard Smith, Chris Garrard, Duncan Roke and Chris Yates, was delighted with Jenner's decision.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted that Jim has rejoined the club. We, of course, didn't want him to leave last year but now we have him back.

"He was a good player when he left us but I think, with Premiership experience, he will have improved. I don't think we ever really had the right balance last season, but I think Jim will make a big difference to us."