WORCESTER have "no knowledge" of any Super 12 interest in Drew Hickey.
The Australian, who is presently negotiating a new Sixways deal, is rumoured to be a target for New South Wales Waratahs.
Hickey, who moved from Orrell to Worcester two years ago, was watched by Aussie coach Eddie Jones at Harlequins recently and speculation has followed that Super 12 clubs are circling.
However, any move for the back-row forward would be a blow for the Warriors who see the 29-year-old as a key member of their squad.
"We have no knowledge of any interest from Super 12 clubs," said Worcester's head coach Andy Keast.
"All I can say on the matter is that there is a deal on the table from us for Drew and, very much like the Tim Collier situation recently, the ball is in the player's court.
"There's been no contact from Super 12 clubs and I think that, with the Eddie Jones link, people might be putting two and two together and coming up with five."
The number eight (pictured in action against Sale) has enjoyed an impressive season at Premiership level, despite having been moved to blindside flanker following Leon Greeff's serious knee injury.
He was again one of Worcester's outstanding players in Friday night's 23-10 victory over Sale Sharks, despite sickness in the Sixways camp.
"Drew was absolutely shattered after the match," added Keast.
"There was a fair bit of sickness in the camp, especially in the back row. So, it made it all the more impressive. Tim Collier had to come off because he wasn't well and I thought the effort on show was superb.
"We played well and there was some good 15-man rugby on show. When you see people like Dale Rasmussen putting in big hits on players despite his shoulder falling off, then you realise the commitment from the players."
The victory put Worcester 10 points clear of bottom side Northampton on Friday evening before the Saints somewhat bizarrely beat runaway Premiership leaders Leicester on Saturday.
"That result did surprise me," said Keast. "Leicester had a few players out but it was still a surprising one. What we've always said, though, is that we can only look after ourselves and that's what we're doing."
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