JAMES Brown has put the feel-good factor into Worcester Rugby Club by becoming their new fly-half.

The 23-year-old signed a deal designed to keep him at Sixways until 2004 after deciding to quit Premier Division London Irish in favour of Worcester's promotion push.

Brown struggled to break into the Exiles' line-up last season with the ever-reliable boot of Barry Everitt blocking his path, but after previously working with Worcester's assistant coach Andy Keast at the Madejski, he jumped at the chance to put his heart and soul into Sixways.

Keast is delighted to have landed his man and believes Brown will soon be making sweet music for the Gold'n'Blues.

"James has massive potential," said Keast. "He has been slightly unfortunate in his career at London Irish that he has been behind Steve Bachop and then Barry Everitt. However, every time he plays he shows his class.

"I coached him at London Irish so I know him well and I'm delighted to have him on board because he is a real talent."

Keast has played a major part in recruitment for next season and after the arrivals of fellow Exiles Richard Bates, Nnamdi Ezulike and Gavin Pfister, he sees Brown as a key piece of the Sixways jigsaw.

"James' distribution skills are quite incredible," added Keast. "He will help with the balance of the team overall and is another important piece in the jigsaw. He has the decision-making skills that would compliment any Premiership team as well as being a class goal-kicker which is obviously important."

Worcester fought off interest from Northampton Saints for the former England under 16s, 18s, 19s and 21s star, a fact which underlined his desire for first-team rugby.

"I know London Irish were extremely disappointed to lose him," said Keast. "He is very highly thought of by the players and the club in general. There was also interest from Northampton while he still had a year left on his contract at Irish.

"He could have stayed in the Premiership but he made it clear that he wanted to come to Worcester. He wants to play and realise his ambitions.

"James knows he is moving down a division but he can see what we are building here."