JOHN Brain has revealed that he had reservations over Richard Smith's commitment to Worcester Rugby Club as early as February.

Worcester yesterday waved goodbye to their scrum half as he sealed his move to Cardiff but Brain said the switch was not completely unforeseen.

Sixways' director of rugby was unhappy with Smith's commuting from Wales to Worcester last season and insisted that the number nine make a permanent move to the city for this season.

However, after a meeting with the player in February, Smith reiterated his desire to stay in Wales.

Smith's stance sparked a swoop for South African star Werner Swanepoel as the coaches began to worry about the former Welsh international's long-term viability.

"We wanted him to move closer to the club because we don't want to encourage commuter rugby," said Brain. "But the fact that he insisted in staying in Wales said something about his commitment. That was a factor in our decision to go out and look for another top-class number nine."

Brain's determination to stamp out players driving hundreds of miles to Worcester has been underlined by a new clause in the Sixways contract.

"We now insist that players live within a 30-mile radius of the club," he added. "It helps players become more professional as they spend more time at the club. For example, if they need to see the physio and the only time she is available is 4.30pm, if they don't live locally they are more likely to drive off home rather than wait."

Brain has drafted in John O'Reilly as a possible replacement for Smith. The ex-England under-21 and Leeds Tykes player is on trial at Sixways until the end of the month and will figure against Swansea in Worcester's opening pre-season friendly on August 3.

"He will play against Swansea and then we will make a decision," said Brain. "Ideally we want the situation resolved before we go to South Africa on August 15. We have three or four names in mind but John is in the driving seat because he is here training every day."