THE future of Steve Townend will be settled today after Worcester Rugby Club admitted they were in discussions with former British Lions coach Andy Keast.

Backs coach Townend will meet with chairman Cecil Duckworth and chief executive Geoff Cooke in the wake of Keast's approach which have raised doubts over Townend's position.

Keast worked with John Brain at Gloucester and it is believed that the head coach is keen to rekindle the partnership and take advantage of his availability.

The former Harlequins coach has been out of work since he left Gloucester in August and Worcester have made their move quickly because of interest from Bedford and Bridgend.

The move, however, will come as a major blow to Townend who only moved to Sixways in the summer.

The former estate agent quit his position as director of rugby at Wakefield to pursue his dream of professional rugby.

However, just four months into the season, his position has been threatened by the National One club's approach for Keast.

"We are looking to increase our coaching strength and our discussions with Andy Keast are at a fairly advanced stage," said Duckworth.

"He's got experience of coaching a whole side, he's also done specialist work with backs and, of course, he's also worked with the British Lions."

The move has taken many people at Sixways by surprise. A source said: "This has come as a big shock to all of us.

"Steve is a great guy and popular among the players, nobody had any idea about this.

"John Brain has obviously worked with him before and he feels that Andy will bring something extra to the club.

"I think, though, that many people will feel sorry for Steve after just four months into the job."

Keast was assistant coach to Dick Best at London Irish and then number two to Philippe Saint Andre at Kingsholm alongside Brain.

He was also technical coaching assistant to the British Lions in South Africa in 1997.

After the recent departure of coach Carl Douglas to Gloucester, Keast may have some involvement in Worcester's new RFU Academy.