CHRIS Catling has labelled Gloucester "appalling" after being caught in the middle of a financial farce.

The full back, who has been on-loan at Worcester Rugby Club since January, returned to Gloucester this week after the end of his spell.

However, with the National One pacesetters keen to extend the loan period and the Premiership leaders in financial turmoil, Catling has no idea where his immediate future lies.

"I just don't know what's going on," he said. "The communication has been appalling to be honest.

"I have re-registered for Gloucester now but I know that Worcester want to keep me.

"I would be happy to stay at Worcester but I just need some decision to be made. The only person I've spoken to at Gloucester is Nigel Melville.

"All I know is that Gloucester's managing director Ken Nottage had agreed with John Brain for me to stay on at Worcester until the end of the season. Obviously, though, Nigel wants me to stay on so I'm caught in the middle really.

"I just don't want to let anyone down. I've loved my time at Worcester and would be happy to stay but something needs to happen because obviously I need to be registered before March 1."

Catling would be cup-tied for Saturday's Powergen Shield clash at home to Exeter along with Daren O'Leary if the winger decided to come to Sixways.

Worcester's director of rugby Brain has made an enquiry for the out-of-favour Kingsholm back but admitted today that a deal was "very unlikely".

"There are budgetary constraints," he said. "The deal is not dead but at present, it is very unlikely."

On-loan hooker James Parkes is also cup-tied for the Exeter game while Craig Quinnell misses out with a knee injury.

Mark Gabey could, however, take his place on the bench after recovering from a broken arm.