IN the wonderful world of Worcester Rugby Club nothing, it seems, stands still.

Just four months into his tenure as backs coach, Steve Townend left Sixways yesterday to make way for newcomer Andy Keast.

The club have often been criticised for the rapid turnover of players in their quest to become a Premiership force.

However, they have usually given their coaches at least a season . . . until now.

It is hard not to have sympathy for Townend who left Wakefield in the summer to pursue his dream of professional rugby. However, he should not be totally surprised at the club's decision. Worcester are in a rush to win their status among the elite and with John Brain they have a head coach who is not frightened to make awkward decisions.

Only time will tell as to whether it is the right one but for Brain, Keast's availability was too good an opportunity to pass up. The two worked together for four months at Gloucester last year before Brain's exit and after Keasts' departure from Kingsholm in August, a link up between them has always been on the cards.

"When somebody of Andy's ability becomes available," said Brain. "You have to make a decision. You have to decide whether you want him to go and coach somewhere else or you feel he would do a good job at Worcester. I know him and I know he will do a good job here. He is a very thorough person and we share the same rugby philosophy. Andy has coached at a very high level with some extremely high-profile players. He understands pressure and has an exceptional pedigree."

Brain had hoped to integrate Keast into the existing coaching set up but with Townend refusing to accept a new role within the academy, the former Harlequins man took up his backs position today.

"Andy's appointment is no reflection on Steve Townend's ability as a coach," added Brain. "He is a good man and I'm sure he will go on and achieve success. He was tremendously successful at Wakefield and ideally we would have liked to retain his services - it's a shame that Steve is leaving.

"The appointment is not because of our recent form or because we have a big month coming up. It was just a case of a top quality coach, whom I know, becoming available and I felt he would strengthen us considerably. Everything I do is in the best interests of Worcester Rugby Club not John Brain. The decision is purely a professional one. I signed a two year contract in the summer and my job is to strengthen as many areas as I can."

Keast joined up with Gloucester in March last year and struck up an immediate partnership with Brain which saw the club beat champions Leicester after an impressive victory at Sale. With that partnership renewed, Brain is hoping for a similar effect at Worcester.

"I know him and, more importantly, I know the way he works," said Brain. "I think that the way he works compliments the way I do. The timing is not ideal but these things never are. Andy became available and you have to make a decision which you think is in the best interests of the club."