CHRIS Garrard is the latest big name to pledge his future to Sixways.

Worcester Rugby Club's winger has decided to stay on for another shot at promotion to the Premiership.

The 25-year-old had a two-year contract in place but could have activated his opt-out clause following Worcester's failure to reach the top flight last season.

However, Garrard believes that with Rotherham now out of the way, Worcester have their best ever chance of promotion to the promised land.

"I think with Rotherham in National One last season it was 50-50 as to whether we would go up," he said.

"But with a depleted Bristol coming down, the odds are in our favour next season. I think there's more of a 90 per cent chance next season because we know we can beat the other teams in the league but Rotherham were a different proposition.

"I had the option to leave but now it has become clear that we are staying professional and we will have another crack at promotion, there is no reason for me to go anywhere. I am delighted to be staying at Worcester.

I've settled in very well here in the area and at the club so I'm not too disappointed at staying!

"All the players had meetings with the chairman Cecil Duckworth and we made it clear to him just how committed we were. We said it was worth another go and he has decided to give it another shot. The players would love to do it for him next season."

Meanwhile, Worcester's dir-ector of rugby John Brain has welcomed coach Andy Keast's decision to stay on at Sixways.

"Everyone knows that Andy is a good coach," said Brain.

"But he is an integral part of Worcester now and I'm very pleased to be working with him again.

"His decision was a big factor in mine to stay on and as I hope mine was his.

£We work well together and that continuity will help us next season."

Brain was yesterday talking with prop Neil Lyman over a new contract.

The former Gloucester coach is hoping to give a clearer picture of the futures of players such as Tom Richardson, Hugo Southwell and John O'Reilly after the weekend.