CECIL Duckworth admitted his "great relief" after Worcester somewhat belatedly received their Premiership ticket to ride.

England Rugby Limited finally rubber stamped the Warriors' place in the top flight yesterday after dismissing Rotherham's proposed legal challenge.

Worcester have had to wait an extra week following the initial ERL meeting because of the South Yorkshire club's threatened action. However, having looked at its validity, ERL came out backing Duckworth's club.

"It's a great relief," he said. "We were very disappointed to have to go through the week we have but we've come through it and we're celebrating our place in the Premiership.

"Rotherham's actions were disgraceful but we can now enjoy the moment and look forward to the future."

Duckworth paid tribute to the staff at Sixways who stuck together during a difficult time.

"When there was so much uncertainty, it would have been easy to point fingers but they never did," added Duckworth.

"It was a particularly difficult time for the players and coaches but we all stuck together, kept faith and we've come through it. It's made us an even stronger unit."

Worcester's director of rugby, John Brain, agreed with those sentiments.

"I think we're even more determined to make an impression next season," he said.

"Our preparation hasn't been affected by this situation but personally it has been very frustrating. In the last seven days, we've felt like we were on trial.

"We always thought that justice would prevail, though, and as a club we've remained together and strong."

Meanwhile, Brain has admitted his interest in Matt Burke. The Australian legend, who will captain the Barbarians against Wales tonight, held talks at Sixways yesterday.

However, the meeting was a preliminary one, and, I understand, no terms have yet been discussed.

"We've registered an interest in the player," said Brain. "Obviously Matt's a quality player who we are looking at." Brain and head coach Andy Keast will run the rule over the 31-year-old tonight at Bristol before Sunday's England clash at Twickenham.

The former New South Wales Waratahs man, who returns next week to Australia for the Tri Nations series, looks set to be released from his ARU contract after the competition and becomes a free agent on August 31.