JOHN Brain could be forgiven for thinking all his Christmases had come at once yesterday as Worcester Rugby Club unveiled his latest presents.

The newly-appointed head coach looked on as Ben Clarke and Kingsley Jones joined up for the Sixways Premiership challenge with a wry smile etched across his face.

Brain, who will start officially next month, must already think he has been given a head start after chief executive Geoff Cooke's summer shopping spree.

The former England manager has brought in star names such as Winston Stanley, Elton Moncrieff and Chris Yates for next season as 13 new players have come through the Sixways doors.

However, it was yesterday's signing of Clarke and Jones that will really get Rotherham's ears pricking up.

For Brain their captures sent out a clear message to the rest of National One.

"They bring to the club a vast amount of experience," said Brain.

"Not only that, they are still very good players that have been playing at the top league for a long time.

"Even though I don't start officially until July, I have been involved in bringing players to the club over the past four weeks.

"I have spoken to Geoff about different players and of course talked to Ben and Kingsley at length before they signed.

"I am looking forward to working with them very much."

He added: "We are under no illusions about the challenge we face next season.

"There is a big gulf between the Pre miership and National One.

"We will have to prepare very well and adopt a Premiership approach.

"Ben and Kingsley will only help that approach because they are Premiership players who are used to the demands of the top flight."