JOHN Brain is celebrating the capture of one of National One's outstanding talents.

Drew Hickey became a Worcester Rugby Club player after the Evening News exclusively broke the story yesterday.

And the Sixways director of rugby was delighted to have the Australian number eight on board, particularly after whipping him from under Orrell's nose.

Orrell's prized asset should have been off limits for other National One clubs but a clause in Hickey's contract enabled him to begin negotiating with Worcester, much to the Edge Hall Road club's dismay.

"We were very surprised that Drew Hickey was available," said Brain.

"He was a player we had targeted if we had won promotion so we're delighted to have him after we didn't.

"We were aware as early as March he would be available so we knew we had to go for him.

"Certainly it is Orrell's loss and very much Worcester's gain because Drew was one of the best players we came across in National One last season."

The 25-year-old has a reputation for being a deep thinker about rugby and Brain looks forward to him making a big impact with the coaches and the squad.

"We need someone like Drew," added Brain. "He is a thinker, a good decision maker and someone who will plan strategies that isolate other teams' weaknesses.

"This acquisition adds to the decision making base within our team and adds valuable Super 12 experience. He will be an integral part of the team.

"It's been a very good week's work for Worcester because if you look at Orrell as one of our major competitors in National One, then this certainly strengthens us and weakens them."

Meanwhile, former Worcester and Scotland fly-half Craig Chalmers has signed for Birmingham & Solihull.

The 34-year-old was released from Sixways last month and joins Jim Jenner who also recently switched from Worcester to Sharmans Cross Road.