JOHN Brain has hailed Lee Fortey as 'one of Worcester Rugby Club's best signings'.

The Sixways prop, who came from Birmingham & Solihull during the summer, made his first National One start on Saturday at Manchester and im-pressed with a hard-working display.

So much so that Fortey is a definite starter today as Worcester take on Exeter Chiefs at Sixways and Brain believes the former Gloucester man has been a real find.

"Lee has been one of our best signings," said Brain. "There have been higher profile signings than Lee but he's really been a good one for Worcester.

"He's aggressive, physical, committed and is a good rugby player. What's more, though, Lee has a good attitude and that's really important at Worcester.

"He has an extremely good attitude to his job and is really enjoying his rugby here. We are also enjoying having Lee at the club because he's been a really positive addition to the squad both on and off the pitch. I just hope he keeps his form up.

"Lee is certainly putting that front row under pressure and that's exactly why we brought him to the club."

Fortey came to Worcester after a long spell as a semi-professional player and Brain believes it is that experience which makes him appreciate the full time environment all the more.

"One of the reasons Lee is enjoying it so much is that this is his first real shot at full time rugby," added Brain. "He's always had a job outside of rugby until now. We're happy to give him the opportunity to play full time rugby and at the moment, he is repaying us."