JAMES Brown has been rushed into hospital with appendicitis.

Worcester Warriors' fly-half had an operation yesterday to remove his appendix and could now be out of action for up to six weeks.

The Sixways club will learn more today about the timescale of Brown's lay-off but much will depend on how surgeons removed the appendix.

"If it was keyhole surgery then we're looking at two to three weeks," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain. "However, if they had to open him up properly then it will probably be five to six weeks."

It is a massive blow to Brown who had cemented his place as the club's number one fly-half. He had also moved up the England pecking order with an 'A' team call-up last month.

"It's disappointing for James but we wish him a speedy recovery and we'll be monitoring his condition," added Brain.

The former Gloucester forward has also revealed Premier Rugby are locked in a dispute with England Rugby over the release of sevens players.

Worcester skipper Pat Sanderson was yesterday called up to the England squad for the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong.

Warriors have signed off release forms to enable Sanderson to play in the tournament which takes place between March 18-20 but not for the flanker to fly away a week earlier which would mean him missing the clash with Bath next Saturday.

England are expecting the players to arrive in Hong Kong on March 14.

"At present, I am expecting Pat to play against Bath," said Brain. "There is an issue between Premier Rugby and England Rugby over this.

"Discussions are ongoing and I expect there to be a decision reached by the end of the week. We are not the only club affected by this and the fact is that we've agreed that Pat can play in the tournament. That's not the issue. At present, we have agreed that Pat can go and play for England Sevens after the Bath game."