WERNER Swanepoel is backing his 'sleeping partner' to wake up the Worcester crowd next season.

The former Sixways skipper, who is embarking on a new restaurant business in Johannesburg back in South Africa, is delighted that Worcester have swooped for his Springbok pal.

Delport, who sealed a move from Gloucester to Worcester this week, has bought shares in Swanepoel's new 'Dros' restaurant after the scrum half decided on a very different career.

"I've been training up, learning a new trade ready for the opening next month and it's hard work!" said Swanepoel, nicknamed 'Smiley'.

"It's very enjoyable, though, and it's been good to get back to a working day without having problems."

The former Springbok scrum half was struck down with meningitis last season and hasn't been able to train properly ever since. Swanepoel, though, believes that Worcester's swoop for Delport is an inspired one.

"Thinus is a big, strong boy and a very good player either at club or international level," he added.

"We keep in touch a fair bit and I joke with him that he's my sleeping partner after he bought into the business.

"I think it's a great deal for Thinus and Worcester and certainly he will entertain the Sixways crowd next season."

Delport has yet to play a match since injuring knee ligaments back in December while playing for Gloucester and subsequently undergoing two operations to repair the damage.

Swanepoel is confident that the former Natal flyer will be back better than ever.

"What you can be sure about Thinus is that he is a great trainer," said Swanepoel.

"I know for a fact that he's been working every day on his rehabilitation in order to get his knee back in good shape. Thinus has told me that he hasn't lost any pace because of the injury and that is very good news.

"He's a great professional and he will be a great asset to Worcester. I've told him that he'll never be as popular with the Sixways supporters as I was though! It doesn't matter how many tries he scores! What he has to make sure is that he does me proud though! He said he's going to fill my boots, so he's got a lot to live up to!"

Worcester were linked to a number of full backs as they scoured the market for new recruits for the Premiership baptism. Matt Burke eventually turned them down but Swanepoel thinks that might turn out to be a blessing in disguise.

"You can't touch Matt Burke on goal-kicking," said the 31-year-old.

"He's out on his own in terms of that. However, Thinus is only 29 and I think he has quite a bit left in him. He's an ambitious player who wants to achieve things and he's hungry to succeed in England.

"He's had two good years in England and I think that's important because he won't need to settle into the pace of the game.

"Thinus will do well for Worcester in the Premiership because he is a talent but he's also a very good team player. I'm sure, with the coaching at Sixways, he will respond to that and it will all add up to something special."