BUOYANT John Brain has thrown down the gauntlet to champions Rotherham insisting Worcester Rugby Club are ready to steal their crown.

Worcester's director of rugby brought in 14 new faces during a summer shopping spree and, with most of last season's squad still together, believes his side are in the best shape possible to finally make it into the Zurich Premiership.

Rotherham won National One last season by finishing 14 points ahead of second-placed Worcester but were denied promotion due to RFU guidelines.

But Brain is confident that his new squad, aided by his management team and 12 months of continuity behind them, will be more than a match for the South Yorkshire club when the season starts next month.

"We can win the National One title," said Brain. "It's entirely in our own hands. That's the case at the start of every season -- you can control your own destiny.

"I really do think that we have the players, the management, the coaching and the professional back-up to win the league.

"The key for us is to make sure we focus on performance from week to week instead of getting overly concerned about taking five points from the match.

"If we perform, the results will come -- we know that from last season."

The league season promises to be one of the toughest for a long time with the top six clubs already having strengthened along with newly promoted Orrell and Plymouth looking to make a big impact.

However, after Worcester's stor-ming end to last season, expectation levels at Sixways are again ready to soar to new heights.

"Every year, if you are a Worcester supporter, there is a wave of optimism," added Brain.

With 14 new signings at the club, Worcester's supporters will have the ideal opportunity to meet up with their new heroes at Sixways on Sunday.

All the players will be at the club from 12 noon for a 'meet the supporters' day which will include a barbecue, a disco and bouncy castle for the children. The bar will be open and entrance to the event is free although there will be a £5 charge for the barbecue.

"We want to encourage as many supporters as possible to come down, meet the players and put some names to faces," said Brain. "It promises to be a good day and people will get the opportunity to talk to the guys about next season. We want people to feel part of the club."