ANDY Keast will remain at Worcester Rugby Club next season.

The Sixways coach has agreed a one-year extension to his current deal, after thrashing out personal terms.

There were fears that the former Harlequins coach could turn his back on Worcester after the club missed out on promotion last season. There were also concerns that Keast, who was based in the south, would find it difficult to continue commuting each week to work.

However, following discussions with his family, Keast is ready to move closer to the club, while Ben Hinshelwood's decision to commit to Sixways has convinced the former British Lions coach that promotion is a real possibility.

"I've agreed to stay on," he said last night. "There is a real feeling of togetherness at the club, a feeling that we all desperately want one thing -- promotion.

"If we left now there would be a bad taste in the mouth. It's definitely a case of unfinished business.

"My wife and I have made the decision to move up here and the fact that most of the squad are staying together is very positive."

The news comes hot on the heels of Hinshelwood's pledge to honour the second year of his contract,t while the club were given a further boost yesterday when three more first team squad members signed up for another season.

Chris Hall, Tony Windo and Christian Evans have all re-signed for another shot at promotion and their signatures were a boost for Keast.

"It's very good news," he said. "Obviously you need continuity at a club and I think with the two coaches together, most of last season's squad plus some quality additions we will be more than competitive."

Meanwhile, fitness coach Peter Finch has gone away to think over a contract offer from Worcester.

"We've offered him a deal," said director of rugby John Brain. "It's a full time job and we hope that Peter will be staying on next season."

Brain will spend this weekend talking to new players in the hope of luring them to Sixways.

The former Gloucester man is eyeing six new faces for the promotion campaign, while academy players will be promoted to supplement the senior squad.