THE emergence of bright young star Richard Blaze was the reason behind Mark Gabey's Sixways exit.

The 19-year-old, who has just been called up to the England Under 21 squad for their Six Nations campaign, is rated so highly by coaches John Brain and Andy Keast that they were happy to see Gabey join Exeter Chiefs until the end of the season.

The utility forward had become disillusioned with life at Sixways after falling behind Tim Collier and Phil Murphy in the Worcester pecking order. Gabey had started seven games for the Warriors this season but only twice in the second row.

The former Bath man, who still lives in Bristol, has therefore joined Exeter on loan until the end of the season. Worcester will not, however, have a recall clause and that signals the end of Gabey's two-and-a-half year Sixways career.

"Richard Blaze has got big potential and we're very excited about this kid," said Keast. "He's a big boy and, in the nicest possible way, he has no respect for names. He's a hard boy for his age and he's got big ambitions.

"He'll be playing for England Under 21s against Wales on Friday night and we're already looking at him as part of our squad for next year.

"We're very impressed with him and he's obviously very enthusiastic about the future. Mark Gabey wants to play rugby and he'll get that opportunity at Exeter."

Gabey said: "It's been a frustrating season for me. I wanted it to go pretty well but I've been in and out. You have to decide whether you want to stick at it or have a change and I thought I needed to play games so I've come down to Exeter for a change of scenery."

One man who won't be leaving Sixways is Clive Stuart-Smith. The scrum-half has been linked with a move away from Worcester following limited opportunities this season since his summer move from Leeds Tykes.

However, Keast has insisted that the 21-year-old won't be going anywhere, especially as he still has a year left on his contract.

"Clive's not going anywhere," said Keast. "He's contracted to the club and we've made no plans for him not to be here next season.

"We always said he's got immense potential. Nothing's changed."