PHIL Richards' training regime is already beefing up Worcester Rugby Club's squad.

The new fitness coach has had the Sixways players under his command for the past month and, according to John Brain, the hard work is already paying off.

Worcester's director of rugby has been delighted with the way the Wrriors squad have taken to the former Swansea man's programme which involves higher intensity training reinforced by a new diet.

"There have been significant improvements already with the squad," said Brain.

"We do tests for body fat and strength and they are showing, for most of the squad, an increase in strength and a body fat loss.

"The idea behind the regime is to test the players while they are at the club. They have worked harder than they have ever worked before because of the intensity of the training.

"We believe in quality of training this season, not quantity. The players are actually at the club a shorter time but when they are here, they are worked very hard."

Worcester are hoping to have a full squad to choose from for their National One opener at Otley on September 6 and that view has been underlined this week with recovering players making good progress.

Nnamdi Ezulike has begun running again since his summer knee operation. The winger, who has been out of action since limping out of Worcester's April showdown with Rotherham, looks set to step up his comeback bid next week if he gets no reaction from the jogging.

Lock Mark Gabey is out of plaster and looks set to join in full training next week after making a full recovery from a broken hand, while club skipper Werner Swanepoel (Achilles) is training but being closely monitored by the coaching staff.

"It really is a case of holding Werner back," added Brain.

"He is so eager to get back to fitness that he can sometimes overdo it. We had a situation last week where he had a bit of a reaction but, other than that, he is on course to play some part in the pre-season games. We just have to be careful with him."

South African openside flanker Gavin Pfister is also making good progress following shoulder surgery and is expected to play some part in the pre-season build-up.

Meanwhile, former Sixways hooker Stewart Pearl is on the brink of joining Plymouth Albion after being released by Worcester.

Plymouth admitted today that there was a 'strong possibility' of Pearl joining them to add cover at hooker. Indeed, if the former Sixways academy star signs on, he is in with a real chance of an extended first team run. Another released Worcester player -- prop George Davis -- has signed for Exeter.