DREW Hickey is looking forward to teaming up with former university chum Ben Hinshelwood after signing for Wor-cester Rugby Club.

The 25-year-old made the switch from Orrell to Sixways this week and immediately sought out his old buddy from Sydney University.

The two played together in Ross Reynolds' side three years ago and, after moving to Sixways, Hickey was delighted to see his old friend.

"Ben and I have kept in contact since we went our separate ways," said Hickey.

"Not so much last season because we were on opposing teams but I certainly texted him when he was called up by Scotland.

"It was nice to see a familiar face though when I came to Worcester and I can't wait to team up with Ben again.

"We played together for Sydney University and, although we went in different directions academically, we kept in touch after he left for England."

Hickey stunned Orrell this week by signing for Worcester after the Edge Hall Road club thought they had the number eight locked into the second year of his contract.

A clause, however, allowing him to talk to interested parties was activated and Worcester swooped after director of rugby John Brain made it clear he was his number one target.

"My ambitions are to play in the Premiership," said Hickey. "So it was a case of finding the best club in which to do that.

"It's not about money. People will look at the move and think that's all it is but I came to Worcester for rugby reasons.

"Worcester have a good set-up and a strong squad. After talking to a lot of the Worcester players, it's clear to see that the coaches John Brain and Andy Keast have improved them.

"That's what they say and they were very positive about the coaching at Worcester. It is hard but you have to be big enough to be self-critical if you really want to improve. You have to take people's advice on board and work at your game."

Brain believes Hickey's decision-making skills will give Worcester a new dimension next season -- and the marketing graduate is looking forward to challenge.

"I spoke at length to the coaches about that aspect of the game and of course that's what you want in a number eight," said Hickey.

"I think one of my strengths is reading the game and maybe changing the game plan if things aren't working. Although you can win games by being robotic at this level, sometimes you can be easier to defend against if you can't adapt to the situation.

"You need to be able to change tactics and play to the conditions, especially in England because you can have so many different conditions.

"I tend to watch games differently to most people. I tend to break them down clinically rather than just see them as entertainment.

"It helps you to devise game plans and then, ultimately, go out on the field and execute them. That's what I really enjoy."

With Hinshelwood, Hickey and former Exeter fly half Chris Malone, Sydney boasted one of their strongest sides over the past three seasons.

Alongside coach Reynolds, they made the Sydney grade rugby union grand final in 1999 and 2000 before finally claiming victory in 2001.

Before his move to Orrell in August 2002, Hickey played Australia Sevens, Super 12 with New South Wales Waratahs and Australian U21s and played in five grand finals from six full seasons.

In his seventh season he was the top try scorer in the Premier Rugby Competition playing at blindside flanker.