SCOTLAND have axed Ben Hinshelwood and blamed Worcester for his demotion.

The Sixways centre may yet travel with the Warriors on Saturday as they face Exeter after being told he was not in Scotland's 22 to face France at Murrayfield.

I understand that Scotland have told Hinshelwood that they feel he is struggling to come to terms with international rugby because of the slower pace in National One.

It looks like the latest tactic in a war of attrition between the SRU and Worcester who both want the 26-year-old's signature when his contract expires in the summer.

Scotland have made it clear that they want Hinshelwood to sign for a provincial club north of the border rather than staying on at Sixways but the former Bedford man is keen to remain a Worcester player and sample the Premiership.

"It wouldn't surprise me if it's a tactic by Scotland," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain. "We're very surprised by his exclusion because we know the reasons why and we find them rather strange.

"At the moment, we understand that Scotland want to keep Ben until the very last minute before the France game but, if he is not in the 22, there doesn't seem much sense in him watching the game in a stand rather than playing for Worcester."

Brain, though, has revealed some positive news regarding Hinshelwood's future. "He knows we value him and our understanding from his agent is that he wants to stay on at Worcester," he added.

"His agent has contacted us to tell us that Ben would like to stay at Worcester. The caveat to all this, however, is us coming to an agreement which is sensible to both parties."

Hinshelwood is provisionally named on the bench if he is released in time by Scotland.

David Officer is not fit so Tommy Hayes reverts to outside centre with James Brown back in the side at fly-half.

Dan Zaltzman is rested after a blow to the head against Penzance, while James Percival is on England U21 duty. Drew Hickey will fill in at lock if Mark Gabey or Craig Gillies pick up knocks. Richard Bates is on the bench.

Worcester: O'Leary; Garrard, Hayes, Trueman, Hylton; Brown, Powell; Windo, Daly, Lyman, Gabey, Gillies, C Evans, Pfister, Hickey. Reps: Cole, Roke, Hinshelwood/Murray, Hall, Fortey, Bates, Mason.