Brain stuns Warriors by quitting the club

Club chairman Cecil Duckworth has confirmed Brain's exit, which takes place with immediate effect.

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Brain moved to Sixways as head coach in July 2001, and was appointed rugby director a year later.

He masterminded Worcester's promotion as National League One champions to the Premiership, and Saturday's victory over Saracens ensured a fourth successive season in the top flight.

Brain's successor will be announced in the next 24 hours.

Brain's exit will come as a bolt out of the blue to Warriors fans and Premiership followers in general.

Worcester lost their first eight league games this season but then belatedly turned things around, recording three successive home wins that meant they finished one point above relegated Northampton.

Duckworth said: "John has a massive reputation as a forwards coach, and is considered to be one of the best in the Premiership.

"The players have all clearly benefited from working with him and he has helped drive the club forward during his tenure.

"I would particularly want to praise him for his tremendous efforts in guiding the club away from relegation danger this campaign, which culminated with our outstanding victory over Saracens on Saturday.

"But unfortunately the results this season have not matched the levels we had all hoped for, and, having debated the problem extensively with my co-director Roger Murray and in consultation with John, the decision has been made to take the club forward under new leadership.

"The successor to John Brain will be announced in the next 24 hours. I would like to thank John for his enormous contribution to Worcester Warriors. Since joining as head coach in July 2001 he has helped lead a fantastic transformation of the club.

"John became director of rugby in 2002, and masterminded promotion to the top flight with a perfect 26 (wins) out of 26 National One games.

"Throughout his time at Sixways he has helped build an infrastructure that will enable the club to continue to grow into the force in European rugby that we believe we can become."

Despite a prolonged relegation battle, Worcester have retained the services of their leading players next term, including captain Pat Sanderson, while Brain had hoped to retain England's 2003 World Cup defence coach Phil Larder in an advisory capacity.

Larder, who is currently based in Spain, played a key part tightening up Warriors' defensive structure.