WHEN the latest Six Nations contract sent out the clearest message yet that the BskyB gravy train had hit the buffers, Gloucester's players may not have given the subject too much thought.

Last month, though, it was top of their priority after, staggeringly, being asked to accept wage cuts in the current financial climate.

Add to that a disastrous Heineken Cup exit at the hands of Munster and a potential loss of around £200,000 and the Kingsholm stars knew the writing was on the wall.

By then, of course, Chris Catling had flown the nest. He was excelling for Worcester against Otley on the day Gloucester, with a nervy Henry Paul at 15, crashed out of Europe. Maybe not the dizzy heights he is used to at Kingsholm but after limited chances this season, meaningful and enjoyable rugby.

"The way Worcester play is just brilliant, it really suits my game," said the 26-year-old.

"You would struggle as a full back not to enjoy it because we play such an open, attacking game. The coaching that Andy Keast provides is just brilliant, I'm really enjoying myself here."

The former England A man had endured a torrid time up until the New Year back at Kingsholm. Frozen out of the first team picture because of Paul and Thinus Delport, Catling was initially wary of dropping down a division and away from the Gloucester comfort zone.

However, a month on and Catling's career is reborn after the cord was finally cut.

"I'm delighted because, although you don't doubt your ability, it's nice to come out of Gloucester and prove to myself that I can perform out of that environment," he added.

"If I am honest with myself it's fair to say I'd got a bit stale at Gloucester. I'd been there seven years and maybe needed a new challenge.

"At the beginning of the season I resisted the opportunity to come to National One sides because I wanted to ply my trade in the Premiership. But then, the rugby I was getting -- second team games -- was no better anyway.

"If you compare this Worcester squad with a Premiership squad there is very little difference. There is something really exciting happening here.

"The way things stand at present, we have a great chance of getting into the Premiership. "I've come here and it's like a breath of fresh air. Everything is so positive. Funnily enough, with all the financial problems at Gloucester at present, it is quite a contrast. It's a shame that the top club in England is struggling so much financially."

Now there is just the small matter of his future. His loan period officially runs out at the end of the month and after some sumptuous performances, it's fair to say Worcester are hungry to keep him on the Sixways menu.

In normal circumstances, with square peg Paul struggling to fit into the full back hole, Gloucester would be wary of letting Catling continue his loan period. However, with the well-publicised financial problems and Worcester paying a large percentage of his wages during his Sixways spell, the Kingsholm hierarchy could be quite keen on extending the deal.

Catling is unlikely to have much choice in the matter but, with him out of contract in the summer, he admits his future is far from clear.

"I've played it over in my head so many times already," he said. "I cannot over emphasise just how much I've enjoyed myself in the last month. But then you have to weigh up how many times in your career you have the opportunity of a possible Powergen Cup final and a Premiership final at the end of the season. To be involved in a championship winning side would also be special.

"Since I came to Worcester, Henry Paul has gone off with England sevens and they are now looking a lot thinner along the back line.

"Either way, whatever decision is made, it will be difficult but I have the feeling it will be out of my hands. It's really up to the two clubs.

"My contract's up in June so with all the talk about pay cuts at Gloucester it wouldn't surprise me if they made a financial decision rather than a rugby one. The last thing I would expect is them to look after the players that are out of contract.

"Market forces dictate your worth. This move, though, hasn't done me any harm at all."

Now all Worcester need is a financial heavyweight to close the deal. Now, let me think . . .