ALISTAIR Murdoch has backed the influx of new players at Worcester Rugby Club.

Last year's Sixways skipper believes the 16 new signings will give the club every chance of finally winning a place in the Zurich Premiership next season.

The Australian winger, who was replaced as captain in the summer by new man Kingsley Jones, has been delighted with the calibre of player attracted to the club.

"There will be more class across the pitch this season," he said. "We had a good squad last year but I think this time we have that little extra five per cent which will help us win that extra game.

"We have some excellent players and not just experienced professionals, we have good young players for most positions as well."

The 33-year-old was philosophical about losing the captain's armband, accepting that it would be difficult to lead a side from the wing.

"It was the right decision by head coach John Brain.

"He knows Kingsley Jones very well from their time at Gloucester together and the decision made sense to me. Kingsley knows what John wants and obviously, on the pitch, he is closer to the action.

"It was an honour to be made captain last season and I really enjoyed it but I think John has made the right decision.

"It was difficult to captain the side in matches where I was out on the wing last season -- you really need to be closer to the action."

Murdoch, who has applied to become a British citizen to ease the amount of non-European Union players at the club, said he was getting used to the idea of being a Brit.

"I've played for the Scotland A side and I've just got to work on the accent now!"

The Aussie, though, was remaining diplomatic about the present Ashes series. "They've just been good games of cricket," he added.