JOHN Brain is "fairly confident" that tonight's European Shield quarter-final in Italy will go ahead.

Because of the foggy, freezing conditions surrounding the Campo Comunale di Rovato in Brescia, there were concerns that the second leg tie against Leonessa could be postponed.

However, Brain -- Worcester's director of rugby -- was keen to get the game out of the way and return home as quickly as possible. "I'm fairly confident that the game will go ahead tonight as per schedule," he said.

"There could be a scenario that we could play the match tomorrow morning if conditions worsen tonight.

"If it's going to freeze around here, it will freeze tonight and there's always the chance of fog. So, we'll just have to see because the conditions can change very quickly where we are."

Meanwhile, former Gloucester forward Andrew Stanley has been ap-pointed the new manager of Worcester's England Regional Academy.

Stanley, 42, has succeeded Nigel Redman who has joined the England National Academy.