JOHN Brain has told Worcester supporters to unite in their hour of need.

The Sixways director of rugby admitted the on-going situation re-garding Worcester's promotion to the Premiership had descended into a "farce" but remained bullish over their future.

England Rugby Limited yesterday delayed a decision on Worcester's elevation to the top flight because of a possible legal challenge by Rotherham. However, Brain maintained that, in times of trouble, it was an opportunity for supporters to show their steel.

"I've seen a lot of what has been written by supporters on their website and much of it is hysterical," he said. "What we all need to do is show our confidence in the club and the management. They have done everything which has been required of them. They have satisfied the auditors and the RFU.

"We have to back Cecil Duckworth because, if anyone had made a mistake, he is the type of guy to hold his hands up.

"You always see what people are made of when they are under pressure and now is a time for the club to unite and be strong.

"This situation, which happens every year, damages the image of the sport."

Rotherham complained to ERL because they believed Worcester missed a planning deadline for their new East Stand structure. After being denied promotion two years ago by ERL, Rotherham have now threatened legal action if Worcester are given the green light.

Many believe the South Yorkshire club are acting out of spite following the bad blood between Duckworth and Rotherham owner Mike Yarlett. However, if they were looking to disrupt Worcester's Premiership preparation, Brain has a clear message for them.

"They will not knock us off course," he added. "If they wanted to disrupt us then I'm afraid they haven't succeeded.

"We've already signed the vast majority of our players for next season. We are possibly looking at another three or four names but this will not interrupt that process."

Duckworth added: "There is a lot of co-operation by England Rugby and the RFU. The legal challenge should be thrown back and binned. Rotherham's behaviour is unacceptable."