MARTIN Morgan is the first big name player to head for the Sixways exit.

The lock has signed for the new Gwent regional team, an amalgamation of Ebbw Vale and Newport in the new Welsh format, after deciding his future lay away from Worcester.

The former Wales under-21 star started the season as first choice but had become a peripheral figure following Craig Gillies' upturn in form and the arrival of Craig Quinnell.

Despite being out of favour, though, the 24-year-old paid tribute to director of rugby John Brain as he began to contemplate life after Worcester.

"I have to thank John because he gave me a chance," said Morgan. "I could have quite easily given up the game before I moved to Worcester.

"I was in a bit of a sorry state to be honest and this move has really put my career back on track.

"The Worcester experience has been fantastic, it is a great club and a wonderful place to play rugby.

"The chairman Cecil Duckworth has been very good to me and I am sad to be leaving but I'm also very excited about the move back to Wales."

Morgan made the decision to start looking for new clubs back in March because of his lack of first team action.

"It's been a very hard last three months of the season because I haven't been involved at all," he added.

"That's after I was involved for most of the games at the beginning of the season. But that's rugby. You cannot argue if someone like Craig Gillies is playing well."

With the ongoing uncertainty at Worcester, the former Llanelli man felt he had to be decisive before he was left unemployed for next season.

"Nobody knows what's going to happen at Worcester," he said. "People haven't a clue about the future and it's very difficult to plan ahead.

"When you are in that position, you have to look after number one because, at the end of the day, I've got a family to look after. I need to have a job.

"I've signed a one-year deal with the new Gwent side and it is very exciting times for Welsh rugby.

"I'm looking forward to next season but I'll always be grateful to Worcester for helping me. I'd like to think I made a good contribution in my two seasons."