2/5/03 - Four go as Brain swings the axe

Tom Richardson, James Ogilvie-Bull, Will Wigram and James Parkes have been told their contracts will not be renewed by the Worcester management.

Sixways director of rugby John Brain yesterday explained that the club were not in a position to offer new deals in the current climate and the four will not be expected to report back for conditioning training, like the rest of the squad, on May 12.

"The players have been told that the club is not in a position to renew their contracts at this stage," said Brain. "That means they are free to seek alternative employment and are free agents. We are dealing in a very uncertain environment and we have to look after our resources because we don't know what the future holds."

Ogilvie-Bull, Wigram and Parkes' departures are no surprise after the trio made little impact this season. Ogilvie-Bull struggled with fitness and injuries while Wigram and Parkes were brought to Sixways late in the season mainly as cover.

The most surprising exit, though, is Richardson's. The 22-year-old made a number of telling contributions this season, the highlight coming against Moseley in October when he scored a hat trick of tries.

I understand, however, that of the four, Richardson is the only one who could still win a new contract in the summer if Brain and coach Andy Keast stay on at Sixways. The management are hoping to know the club's fate, regarding promotion and relegation this season, in the next two weeks and can then begin to make some concrete decisions.

If Worcester find themselves in National One next season with a limited budget, Richardson would be a viable option for the coaches but he would be unlikely to be offered a deal if the Sixways club are in the Premiership.

The four leave in the wake of Craig Quinnell's departure. The former Welsh international has returned to his homeland to join up with Cardiff once again.

The vast majority of the remaining Sixways squad are still contracted to the club until the end of June.