THE war of words between Worcester and Orrell intensified last night following Drew Hickey's move.

Orrell are seething after Worcester signed their Australian number eight and accused the Sixways club of trying to destabilise their preparations for the season ahead.

Worcester's director of rugby John Brain hit back, however, labelling such suggestions 'ridiculous' after scoffing at the cash sums bandied about by the Edge Hall Road club.

Orrell believe Worcester offered Hickey a deal of around £150,000 to sign on, a sum they say is 'silly money'. Brain, though, is adamant that such figures are fanciful.

"The first thing to say is that the deal is worth nowhere near that," said Brain. "His move wasn't about money. It was a rugby decision.

"Orrell are not in a position to talk about our players and our budget. They should just shut up and get on with it."

Orrell's chairman Maurice Lindsay said: "We are disappointed but we have to face the fact that Drew Hickey can legally leave us although his move to a rival club is not what we intended.

"There does not seem to be much loyalty in rugby union, or for that matter in any sport these days."