COACH Duncan Hall has stunned Worcester Rugby Club by quitting on the eve of the new season.

The highly-rated Australian has decided to return Down Under after just one year at Sixways.

Rugby club owner Cecil Duckworth said Hall had left on good terms and that the main reason for his shock departure was a desire to return home.

Hall joined the club last summer on a two-year deal but Duckworth said both parties have left on good terms.

"I've been talking to Duncan about this for the past month," said Duckworth. "There was a view there might have been a confusion of the roles and that has been one of Duncan's concerns.

"There's always some conflict where Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere coaches come together but that could have been resolved.

"It was more a question of other opportunities and he feels he's been too long away from Australia and has had an offer over there.

"He's really enjoyed his time at Worcester and appreciated the commitment of the players and has improved both their fitness and their skill levels.

Hall joined Worcester after becoming a casualty at Leicester following the sacking of Bob Dwyer.

He was part of Sixways' three-man management team which included director of rugby Les Cusworth and director of player management Phil Maynard.

The departure comes in the middle of the players' pre-season preparations but Duckworth added steps have already been taken to sign a replacement.

Neither Hall nor Cusworth would discuss the move.

Worcester start their pre-season frienlies with the visit of Irish side Connaught on July 25.

Worcester's frenetic summer transfer dealings have continued with an 11th new player putting pen to paper.

Eighteen-year-old Waterloo centre Michael Swetman signed for Worcester yesterday.

Swetman scored two tries from just four starts last season and has represented the Midlands at U16 and U18 level.

"My main aim is to make a career out of rugby and I'm really excited about my move to Worcester," he said.

"I would also love to achieve England honours which is my ultimate ambition for the future."

Cusworth said Swetman is a mature player for his age and someone he has high hopes for in the future.

The club are poised to unveil another new signing at a Press conference tomorrow.