POWERHOUSE forward Mark Gabey is the latest recruit to join Worcester Rugby Club's promotion challenge.

The 28-year-old has swapped Bath for Worcester as head coach John Brain continues his Sixways revolution.

Gabey, who played at Sixways three years ago for promotion-bound Bristol, has added more depth to Brain's squad with his ability to play across the back row or at lock.

The 17-stone Australian, who qualifies as a European Union player because of his English wife, has signed a one-year deal with an option to stay should Worcester reach the promised land. And for Brain, Gabey is a key acquisition.

"Mark potentially can make a very big impact for Worcester," he said. "He is certainly not a lightweight player.

"He's a big guy, physically strong and has experience not only in the Premiership but also in National One.

"He is someone who can play in a number of positions but he's not just a utility player, he plays well in whichever position he occupies.

"For Bath recently he played at six against Leeds and before that he had been playing at lock against London Irish so he's a versatile guy."

Gabey was a key member of the Queensland Reds Super 12 squad before moving to England three seasons ago to join Bristol.

After winning promotion with the Memorial Stadium outfit, he moved to London Irish and was named player of the season for 2000.

He then signed for Bath and enjoyed a fine debut season although he has struggled to establish a starting place this year at the Recreation Ground.

"We are certainly not getting a cast-off," added Brain. "Bath offered him a deal but he has decided to come to Worcester.

"He is a player of proven Premiership quality and also knows, from previous experience, how tough this league is.

"He will, however, have to earn his place because the players who are training with us at the moment are the ones in possession of the jerseys.

"He will have to fight for his place but I think he will add competition throughout the forwards. He is an exciting signing for Worcester."

Meanwhile Brain has revealed he was never interested in Bath's new boy Chris Malone who yesterday confirmed his move from Exeter Chiefs.

The Australian fly-half was linked to Sixways earlier in the season but Brain confirmed he had never made an approach for the player.