JOHN Brain has confirmed that Matt Powell will be playing for Worcester Rugby Club next season.

The Sixways director of rugby is just waiting to see the scrum-half's signature on the dotted line but the player and agent have both informed Brain that he will be joining Worcester.

"We are just awaiting confirmation now," said Brain.

"We believe he has signed but it is just a case now of the paper being posted to us by the agent. We have dealt with these people before so we don't envisage any problems.

"Matt is a class scrum-half and will compete with Werner Swanepoel for the number nine shirt."

Meanwhile, youngsters James Percival, Rhodri McAtee, Iyran Clunis and Matt Evans will be training with the first team squad next month.

"We will be having a look at them and if they impress, they will stay in the squad," added Brain. "There is a clear incentive for those players but there are also others within the academy who have a chance if they keep progressing.

"We've had players such as Will Bowley, Mark Hopley and Chris Hallam in the England Under19 squad, while there are a number who have a vast amount of potential.

"We will certainly be utilising the academy players so we will be keeping a close eye on their performances."