CRAIG Quinnell is involved in an extraordinary tug-of-war be-tween the Welsh Rugby Union and Worcester.

The 27-year-old lock, cap-ped 32 times for Wales, held talks with Worcester's director of rugby John Brain yesterday over a possible move to Sixways following his departure from Saracens last month.

However, Wales coach Steve Hansen is putting Quinnell under increasing pressure to come back into the fold and sign for Cardiff.

Worcester are reeling from the news that Richard Bates could be out for the rest of the season following a dislocated shoulder, while fellow back row star Mark Gabey will be sidelined for at least six weeks after suffering a broken arm.

With Christian Evans only recently returned from a dislocated collarbone injury, Brain is keen to recruit the experienced Quinnell who has been out of contract since he was released from his four-year deal at Vicarage Road in December.

Worcester face tough competition for Quinnell's signature, however, with the Welsh Rugby Union desperate for the former Richmond star to re-ignite his international career under Hansen.

"I can confirm that I met with Craig Quinnell yesterday," said Brain today.

"We were free to do so after he was released from his Saracens contract and he is obviously a player who would add a physical presence to our pack which Richard Bates and Mark Gabey do when they are fit.

"Richard requires surgery on his shoulder and we are waiting to see just how long that will keep him out for. With Mark Gabey out as well it leaves us with Christian Evans who can fulfil that type of ball carrying role and he is only just coming back from injury."

Quinnell only signed his four-year deal for Saracens in the summer but left last month after rumours of a fall out with Wayne Shelford.

He was expected to make a quick return to his homeland and Cardiff before the uncertainty in the Welsh game seemed to put the move in doubt.

Hansen, though, is understood to be fuming at the prospect of Quinnell's Worcester switch and will put the WRU under pressure to broker a deal between Cardiff and the 6ft 7in forward.

Quinnell is expected to make a decision on his future today but even if he does sign on at Sixways, he will not be making his debut at Orrell tomorrow.

The National League Division One clash at Edge Hall Road has been postponed due to a frozen pitch. A new date for the match is yet to be fixed.