MOST players would dream of a 90-second appearance which can change the course of the season and prompt heated debate for months.

But Tom Robinson's debut was a million miles away from a stunning try or decisive kick to win a game.

His minute-and-a-half at Wakefield were uneventful. He came on for the sin-binned Dean Ball, the game had already been won and there was no further scoring.

It was only later that the nightmare began as English Rugby Partnership ruled he was ineligible and docked the club two vital points.

Worcester fiercely defended their registration procedure and immediately appealed against the decision which, at the time, had a big influence on the promotion race with Rotherham and Bristol.

In October, weeks later, honourary secretary Adrian Harling and director of rugby Les Cusworth travelled to the bizarre card room setting of the East India Club to plead their case.

Their claims were rejected and, though they threatened to take court action, the promotion bid fell apart and the points were superfluous.

Robinson has now moved on to university but, yet again, Worcester travel to Wakefield with a question mark over the eligibility of a hooker.

Marco Caputo signed this week and the club are eager for him to play at College Grove having already named him a 24-man squad.

This time around, chief executive Geoff Cooke has been charged with making sure everything's put in place.

On Tuesday, Caputo filled in the relevant forms and, because of his nationality, he had to provide photocopies of his passport and crucially a work permit. Signed and sealed, the vital parcel was despatched by first-class post to the rugby's Twickenham headquarters and Worcester now have to cross their fingers and hope all's well.

"We're trying to get him ready for Saturday, but after we've sent off the various forms it normally takes seven clear working days," said Cooke. "But there's an emergency registration procedure which we've asked for and we'll have to pay a small fee for that.

"We then have to wait for a list from Twickenham which shows all the players who have a registration certificate. The certificates are checked with great detail before every match."

Caputo's chances of playing are now in the hands of the authorities and Worcester should know by tomorrow if the coast is clear.

One thing is certain, though. If there's any doubt at all, Worcester won't be taking any chances.