PAT Sanderson will play for Worcester at Bath after Premier Rugby put their foot down.

The Sixways skipper was named in the England Sevens squad bound for World Cup duty later this month in Hong Kong.

However, it became clear England Rugby Limited wanted sevens players a week earlier than previously agreed.

Now Premier Rugby have declared that it will be 'policy' not to release until after next weekend's league matches.

"I don't see that position changing so Pat will be playing at Bath," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain.

"Premier Rugby have made it clear that is the policy and so we will release Pat on the agreed date, following the game at Bath."

Next Saturday's clash at the Recreation Ground will be a golden opportunity for Worcester to get that eighth win of the campaign which may well leave them safe from the drop.

And having Sanderson on board is a major boost for the Sixways club.

"Pat's very committed to the club," added Brain. "We sat down with England Sevens coach Mike Friday at the start of the season to talk through Pat's commitments and he was keen to be available for every Premiership game.

"To be fair to Mike, he has been very co-operative throughout. The issue has been between Premier Rugby and England Rugby. In these cases the player is always caught between two stools."

One player who will miss the Bath clash, however, is James Brown. The fly-half had to undergo an appendectomy this week but, because keyhole surgery was carried out, Brown should just miss one game.

"It would have been a blow if James had missed more than one game so it's good news," added Brain. "He'll see the consultant after a couple of weeks and then, hopefully, will resume training."