JAMES Brown is winning his fitness battle ahead of Worcester Rugby Club's weekend showdown with Exeter Chiefs.

The fly-half trained for the first time today after a back injury and looks set to take his place in Worcester's 22 after missing Saturday's 62-24 win at Otley.

"I think he should be OK," said coach Andy Keast. "We'll obviously assess him after today's training session but his back has settled down.

"It's a problem he has now and again and it normally flares up when he spends long periods sitting down. We think the flight to South Africa probably affected him this time around. It is just a case of managing the problem and hopefully we won't see it flare up again this year."

Flanker Richard Nias came off at Otley following a high tackle, but the injury was not deemed as concussion and he should be available for Saturday.

Christian Evans and Duncan Roke, however, are nursing shoulder injuries and will be monitored closely this week. "We are hopeful about Christian and Duncan," added Keast.