28/6/01 - Chalmers poised to arrive at Sixways

The 32-year-old will be Worcester's 17th new signing in the space of just two months as they set their sights on winning National One and elevation to rugby's top flight.

Chalmers, who was contracted to Glasgow Caledonians last season, enjoyed a loan spell in the Premiership earlier this year and helped Harlequins to two semi-final victories in the European Shield and Tetley's Bitter Cup.

However, despite fine performances against Newcastle and Leicester in the cup wins, the former British Lions star was not offered a new deal at The Stoop.

Worcester have been searching for a top class stand-off since they agreed to release Earl Va'a last month and set their sights on Chalmers after Quins and Glasgow decided to let him go.

Chalmers is the most capped fly-half in Scotland's history with 60 to his name and also starred for the Lions against Australia back in 1989.

Sixways chairman Cecil Duckworth was due to finalise the contract offer today, a deal which should signal the end of their summer shopping spree before the players return for pre-season training on Monday.

Meanwhile, Worcester have strengthened their backs contingent with the signing of Bedford's Ben Hinshelwood.

The 24-year-old Australian, who holds a British passport, enjoyed a successful season at Goldington Road last year and is comfortable either at full-back or on the wing. Hinshelwood is the second Bedford player to move to Worcester this summer following the arrival of hooker Joe Ross.

Youngsters Lee Soper and Martin Morgan have also joined up for Worcester's promotion challenge to give head coach John Brain more options in the second row.

Soper joins from the Army while Morgan has been snapped up from Cardiff's reserve side. Morgan has already played for Wales' under-21s.

One player who will not be coming to Sixways is Chris Bentley. The former Orrell lock had agreed terms with Worcester before Bristol swooped for the 22-year-old.