JOHN Brain today hailed Worcester Rugby Club's summer shopping spree "very successful" after capturing his final post-season signing.

The Sixways director of rugby was delighted with the 14 new signings brought to the club since the end of the season but also stressed that the 19 retained was also a big boost.

Worcester have brought in 14 new faces for their forthcoming National One campaign, while retaining 15 first team players and promoting four from the academy.

And Brain was delighted to have settled the recruitment drive before the players return for pre-season training next Monday.

"The recruitment has been very successful," said Brain. "We have got everyone we wanted and brought in players which were better than the ones released.

"I think it helps when you start looking early on and we have been involved in the process since January now."

Worcester made their final summer signing on Friday when giant lock Craig Gillies put pen to paper on a two-year contract. The 26-year-old, who weighs in at 17st, 71b and is 6ft 8in tall, made the switch from Llanelli to Worcester after impressing while on loan at Gloucester.

Gillies' arrival meant no new contract for Lee Soper, but Brain was keen to pay tribute to the lock who caught the eye last season with some powerful displays.

"We wouldn't have been upset to hang on to Lee," added Brain. "He has done a good job for us and Craig's arrival is no reflection on Lee. We just felt that Craig has more experience at the top level and for a 26-year-old, that is unusual.

"Craig is one of the best lineout forwards in the country and we are delighted to have him.

"We were very pleased with Martin Morgan and Dan Zaltzman in the lineout last season but hope that Craig will push the players in possession to new levels. Craig, though, is the final piece in the jigsaw."

The former Gloucester coach was also pleased to have brought down the average age of the squad with his new acquisitions.

"I haven't worked it out exactly but I think last year the average age was around 28-29. It is now around 25-26 which is better," said Brain.