FLY-HALF Jono Lance may consider extending his stay at Worcester Warriors, admits team-mate and close friend Michael Dowsett.

The 27-year-old Australian joined Warriors on a short-term contract in early October and is due to leave at the end of the year.

Following his arrival director of rugby Gary Gold said he understood Lance would link up with Melbourne Rebels ahead of the next Super Rugby season which starts in February.

But Rebels have not officially announced his signature and according to suggestions in Australia’s media there is a chance the deal might not happen.

Lance has hopes of claiming his first international cap and under Australia’s ruling he will need to play in his homeland to receive a call-up.

But Australian newspaper The Daily Telegraph understands the ex-Western Force ace has been told where he stands in the pecking order and suggests he may look to remain in England.

It also reported Rebels chief Dave Wessels spoke to national boss Michael Cheika about the possibility of playing the versatile Reece Hodge in the number 10 shirt next year.

Dowsett, who shares a house with Lance and played with him at New Country Eagles, said he was unsure of the stand-off’s contract situation.

But the scrum-half admitted there was a “possibility” he could look at staying put.

“I am not too sure of his situation contract-wise,” Dowsett said.

“He hasn’t really discussed how long it is or how long he plans to stay for but I think the possibility of staying is certainly one he is considering.”

Lance was an unused substitute in Australia’s 25-23 victory over France in November 2016.

But he suffered a broken arm in a Wallaby XV’s 19-11 loss to the Barbarians later that month.

He was not named in Cheika's squad for the Rugby Championship and upcoming autumn internationals.

“You want as many good players in the squad as possible and Jono is up there with being world-class,” Dowsett said.

“He can play international rugby at the drop of a hat.

“I am actually unsure as to why he hasn’t played for the Wallabies yet.

“That opportunity hasn’t come for him but going forward you never know. He has just got to keep playing well which he is.”

Since moving to Warriors, Lance has made four appearances and appears to have provided a solution at fly-half with Ryan Mills (quad), Tom Heathcote (concussion) and Jamie Shillcock (knee) recovering from injury.

He produced a man-of-the-match showing in Warriors’ 41-35 defeat at Harlequins two weeks ago, setting up four of the six tries.

Dowsett added: “Jono is more geared towards the attacking side of the game as he likes to flatten up and take the line on which I like to do at times as well.

“Jono is a really enjoyable guy to play with. He has certainly been saying he is (enjoying his stay in Worcester).

“I am not too sure what his plans are long term. I think he’s got a contract to honour in Australia but you never know these days.”