JOHN Brain has continued his summer shopping spree with the acquisition of Steven Sparks.

Worcester Warriors' director of rugby has brought in the vastly experienced prop to beef up his pack as the newly-promoted side continue their countdown to the Premiership.

The 29-year-old comes to Six-ways after stints at the top level in France and England and Brain believes that mixture will be of real benefit to Worcester.

"He has spent four years in France and, as I keep telling people, the scrum is a massive contest in that country," said Brain.

"He's a very good scrummager which is the first thing I look at in a prop and he will add to the pack because he has so much experience which will help us enormously.

"After Emiliano Bergamaschi decided to return to Argentina, I think Saracens will be disappointed to lose Steven but we're delighted to have him."

Sparks joined Saracens after four years in France playing for La Rochelle and Castres Olym-pique, the former club of Thomas Castaignede and Raphael Ibanez. He began his career at West Hartlepool be-fore moving to France.

"We tried to sign him two years ago," added Brain. "At that time, Steven decided to stay at the top in France rather than coming into National One and certainly that was understandable. However, he's very keen to stay in the Premiership now and we're delighted with his signature.

"He is a quality loosehead prop who has played most of the season for Saracens. What's also important for Worcester is that he is the right type of person.

"He is a Geordie lad with a very good work ethic and a good attitude.

"That's summed up by his recent performances for Saracens even though he knew he was coming to us. I watched him against Sale recently where he was very good."

Sparks is the Warriors' eighth capture after the signings of Pat Sanderson, Clive Stuart-Smith, Siaosi Vaili, Dale Rasmussen, Tom Bowman, Phil Murphy and Brad MacLeod-Henderson.