AS a club, Worcester have become acutely aware of the need for continuity.

They've learnt the hard way over the past few years.

And after taking the C-factor seriously for the past two seasons, it has been a strong foundation of their championship success.

It's therefore unsurprising that they intend to keep the majority of their title winning side together.

After meetings with all squad members this week, only six will definitely not be moving up with the Warriors into the Premiership.

Gavin Pfister is the biggest name casualty of the week's 'appraisal' with the South African released along with Dan Zaltzman, Duncan Murray, Tom Warren, Rhodri McAtee and Matt Evans.

Another five -- Chris Hall, Iyran Clunis, Chris Garrard, Wes Davies and Nnamdi Ezulike -- have been put 'under review' as coaches John Brain and Andy Keast look at other options for their positions before a decision is reached.

With the retirements of David Officer, Richard Bates and Christian Evans and the departure of Werner Swanepoel, up to 15 players could be leaving the championship squad.

The bulk, however, will be staying put. Tony Windo, Neil Lyman, Mark Gabey, Neil Mason, Gary Trueman, Tommy Hayes, James Brown, Jon Higgins, Jon Hylton, Lee Fortey and Neil Cole will all be at Worcester next season after contract renewals. Daren O'Leary, Drew Hickey, Ben Daly, Ben Hinshelwood, Craig Gillies, Duncan Roke and James Percival will also be strutting their stuff at a Premiership club as they are all still under contract.

Hall is the only other player still in contract but his is 'under review' while Matt Powell has been offered a new deal but has yet to make a decision on his future. The scrum half, though, is 'hopeful' of staying on.

With the signings of Pat Sanderson, Clive Stuart-Smith, Siaosi Vaili and Dale Rasmussen plus the probable acquisitions of locks Phil Murphy and Tom Bowman, the squad is already shaping up. Brain and Keast look set to beef up the pack further with a couple of French props while they are scouring the market for wingers, hookers and at least two back row forwards.

"It's been a difficult week for the players and management," said Keast. "Certainly the decision to release Gavin Pfister was very hard indeed. It was a massive decision and one which we thought very hard about.

"Obviously, we have brought in Pat Sanderson and the back row is likely to be an area where we have to recruit because we've lost Christian Evans and Richard Bates.

"Drew Hickey can play anywhere across the back row and we've brought in Siaosi Vaili so we've got options there but it is an area where we are looking to recruit.

"We've been straight with the players that are under review and that is all we can be. There's no point in telling them anything else. It's not been an easy time for any of us but we've got to be professional and make the decisions which are in the best interests of Worcester Rugby Club. Next season is going to be tough and we have to get those decisions right."

Contract renewals: Tony Windo, Neil Lyman, Mark Gabey, Neil Mason, Gary Trueman, Tommy Hayes, James Brown, Jon Higgins, Jon Hylton, Lee Fortey, Neil Cole and Matt Powell who has yet to sign contract.

Under contract: Drew Hickey, Ben Daly, Ben Hinshelwood, Craig Gillies, Duncan Roke, James Percival.

Players 'under review': Chris Hall (one year left on contract), Iyran Clunis, Chris Garrard, Wes Davies, Nnamdi Ezulike.

Players leaving: Gavin Pfister, Dan Zaltzman, Duncan Murray, Rhodri McAtee, Tom Warren, Matt Evans, Werner Swanepoel, David Officer, Richard Bates and Christian Evans.