TOM Warren may yet have a future at Sixways despite being released at the end of the season.

The prop, who has been playing for England's under-21 in the IRB World Championships this summer, was one of a number of players who were deemed surplus to requirements back in May.

However, because of Warren's age, Worcester may yet still keep the 21-year-old on as an academy player, loan him out and play him in Zurich 'A' games next season.

"It's a possibility for us," said Worcester's director of rugby John Brain. "I think Tom was hoping that, because he was playing in the under-21 World Cup, that a Premiership club would snap him up. If that happens, then good luck to him. If not, then we may look at keeping him here so he can continue his rugby education at Sixways.

"We're very happy with the props we have within the first-team set-up. Tony Windo, Neil Lyman, Lee Fortey, Steve Sparks and Chris Horsman are all top quality players and, of course, next season will be about staying in the Premiership not so much experimenting with the front row."

Meanwhile, Brain is expecting his international players or new signings to all be at Sixways midway through next month.

Players such as Pat Sanderson, Clive Stuart-Smith, Ben Hinshelwood, James Percival, Thomas Lombard, Siaosi Vaili and Dale Rasmussen have all had busy summers with various international commitments and all with have suitable rest periods before returning for pre-season training.

"Obviously, it's important to give them a proper rest," added Brain. "Thomas is actually playing in the French Championship final today for Stade Francais but he said he was happy to come in and begin training on July 1. I think that says a lot about the man but we've told him that he needs a break.

"I think you have to take every case on its merits and the two new Samoan signings could yet be named in the Pacific Islands squad for this summer. If that happens then that rules them out for the whole of July.

"It's what you expect, however, when you move into the Premiership. It is the same for everyone else and we will just get on with our preparations."