FORMER Worcester Rugby Club scrum-half Chris Simpson-Daniel believes Adrian Skeggs' foreign legion drove him out of Sixways.

The 22-year-old, who will play for Bristol in the Zurich Premiership next season, said he felt harshly treated by the coach after the Australian brought in players such as Richard Jarman to the rugby club in the middle of the campaign.

Simpson-Daniel said he was not surprised by the club's decision to axe Skeggs earlier this week and felt it was his "love of overseas players" which eventually caused his downfall.

He said: "Skeggs' reluctance to play young players and his love of overseas talent was a problem because at times we had teams with just four English players. I think you need a better blend than that.

"The age of the team was also a major problem because the side needs fresh blood.

"The players need to be young, keen and have a bit of pace. I think if you looked through the team, the average age would have been about 28."

The former Wakefield man was also critical of the club's pay structure which does not include a win bonus.

"There were certain games in the season where a win bonus would have probably picked up some of the players because, even though it's Worcester and it is perceived as a rich club, some players are not paid that well."

Simpson-Daniel, who endured a frustrating season which was blighted by injury, also said Skeggs' man-management skills had a lot to be desired.

"There were occasions when you would be dropped and he wouldn't speak to you for days on end. That was his style - he would expect you to fight back.

"However, you need to know why you've been dropped in the first place. It certainly was a bit unfair on the younger players."