CECIL Duckworth has told the Worcester fans not to panic despite a number of high profile departures this summer.

And the club chairman said he is in for the long haul with rugby despite off-the-field politics claiming the bulk of the headlines during his time in the game.

Eleven members of the first team squad have left so far along with coach Phil Maynard and only one scrum-half has been signed so far.

But Duckworth maintains Worcester will be among the promotion favourites, that new signings are imminent and that the club is winning the battle for keeping the promotion door open to division one.

"We're talking to a number of players but Geoff Cooke has been on holiday so the signings have been delayed," said Duckworth.

"It's important that we get the people we want. But the the quality of players that we're looking for is not always available. We expect a lot to happen in the next two or three weeks.

"We have a good skeleton to the team already and it's the quality not the quantity we're after.

"It's important for morale not to bring in people who are no better than we've already got."

Duckworth has now strengthened his hand in rugby by becoming chairman of English second division rugby and is continuing the fight to keep open the promotion door.

Worcester have sent out 2,000 questionnaire's to clubs across the land asking their thoughts and of the 200 replies so far only two are in favour of franchises.

Despite the battles with the rugby powers Duckworth said he is far from quitting his Worcester dream.

"Providing rugby doesn't go into its shell and create a ring-fenced franchise system I can see myself being involved for a number of years," he added.

"I'm reasonably fit, enjoy the game and although the politics is a bit boring I feel we're soon going to see the end of it."

Hooker James Richards has been offered deals to play club rugby in Wales.

The 25-year-old joined from Bedford last summer on a one-year contract and has been offered a new deal at Sixways but has yet to commit himself.

A move to Wales could boost his international aspirations as he has played for Wales at U19 and U21 level and has now been called up on standby for the Wales A squad.

The hooker is currently in Canada with the Public School Wanderers and will stay on in North America with Wales A if he is called up.

Former Worcester prop Mark Linnett could face his old club next season after signing for Premiership Two new boys Birmingham/Solihull.

The 37-year-old, who scored a try on his only England appearance, left Sixways this summer.