MATTHEW Taylor says he has come to Worcester Rugby Club in search of regular first-team rugby.

The 21-year-old scrum-half, one of a host of summer arrivals at Sixways, says his chances were limited at his previous club Pontypridd.

But he now hopes he can make a name for himself at Worcester under the new regime of Australian coach Adrian Skeggs.

Taylor, who's played for Wales at u21 level, made 28 league appearances for Pontypridd over the last two seasons.

"It is a bit awkward because I wasn't really given a shot," he said. "A lot of established players left the club, a whole new set-up came in and I was limited.

"They offered a lot of money for me to go to Newport, but I just want to play regular rugby and hopefully I will get that chance at Worcester."

Taylor first came to Worcester's notice when he was in the youth ranks, but the interest went no further than a phone call.

However, he was contacted again by Geoff Cooke earlier this year, and jumped at the chance when a firm offer came along.

He added: "The set-up here is superb -- it puts a lot of Premier League clubs in Wales to shame."

He is impressed by his fellow team-mates and also by new Australian coach Adrian Skeggs.

"I hadn't met him before I came here but he is a good coach who seems to know what he is talking about.

"There are some quality players here -- play to your ability and you will ply. But there is a lot of competition here and the other scrum-half is a very good player."

He has no doubts that Worcester will be celebrating come next May. "Worcester will be in the top division next year -- I am quite confident of that."