JOHN Brain has hit out at suggestions that Worcester are simply a money club.

The Sixways director of rugby has been angered that the National One champions are being labelled a club who will offer 'silly money' in order to lure players.

Exorbitant cash sums have recently been bandied about by various media outlets over the deal to bring Stephen Larkham to Sixways and the signing of Chris Horsman, much to Brain's irritation.

"We are not in the business of paying silly money to players," he said. "Andy Keast and I have never believed you could buy a team. We know that you have to have other qualities and I think you can see that with the players we have brought in this summer so far.

"The figures that were mentioned with reference to Larkham were crazy and now we have sums of money printed with the Horsman signing which also don't add up. I think people have found some extra buttons on their calculators!

"Horsman had a number of clubs interested in him but he chose Worcester because he wants to continue to progress. The money which has been printed with that deal is nonsense."

Worcester are hoping to attract Matt Burke to Sixways but much will depend on the Australian's assessment of the Warriors' playing squad.

Next season will be Worcester's first in the Premiership, and with Newcastle Falcons also keen on the Wallaby legend, Brain knows the Burke deal would be a coup.

"Money is obviously important to players," said Brain. "I think, though, that Matt has done his homework on Worcester and Newcastle and he will be weighing up matters based on rugby.

"Newcastle might have made an offer that has blown us out of the water and they can also offer European rugby next season. However, we are very ambitious here at Worcester.

"We have been pro-active with our recruitment for next season, we have the some of the best facilities in English rugby and we're confident that we'll make an impact in the Premiership.

"We are looking to bring in a full-back. Matt is undoubtedly the highest profile of them but that's not the reason we're interested in him.

"Andy Keast is clear about the type of player he wants and Matt is someone he'd like at Sixways."