WORCESTER Rugby Club's latest signing Cameron Mather begins the first step towards the Premiership when he makes his debut at Coventry today.

The 28-year-old flanker, who has spent this week settling into new surroundings, said one of the main reasons behind his move from Edinburgh Reivers was his desire to play top-flight rugby.

Mather, who has won four Scotland caps, was due to join Leeds Tykes two weeks ago before the move collapsed but is delighted to be getting 'another shot' at promotion to the Zurich Premiership.

He said: "Worcester are obviously a very ambitious club and the set-up here looks awesome. I want to play in the Premiership and that is why I have come here.

"Worcester are the best equipped side to win promotion and then to build on that next year in the Premiership."

"The Leeds thing was disappointing the way it fell through but there is a major silver lining called Worcester."

Ironically, Worcester's 40-13 win over the Yorkshire side seemed to be the main reason why Leeds' spending was put on hold and Mather's move fell through. The 6ft 6 flanker believed Leeds had to cancel the transfer because they feared another promotion-less season after the Worcester walloping.

The New Zealander, who qualifies to play for Scotland because of a Scottish grandfather, said he also wanted to cement his place in the national side in the next couple of years. He had two years left on his contract at Welsh/Scottish League side Edinburgh but believed he could not further his interntional ambitions north of the border.

He said: "Last year I played through injury for months in the hope I would get in the squad to tour New Zealand and after playing on when I should have had an operation - I wasn't even picked.

"I knew then I would probably have to move to increase my chances of regular international rugby."

Mather won his first cap against Romania last year and scored two tries against Spain in the Rugby World Cup. He also played a part in Scotland's Six Nations campaign last year. However, he is just delighted to be making his debut for Worcester after just a week at the club.

"I am just glad to be here and want to re-pay Worcester for bring me to the club," he added.