John Brain, a man whose words are infrequent but generally well-directed, has come under fire from Gavin Quinnell's former employers at Llanelli Scarlets after he called into question the quality of coaching the youngster had received at Stradey Park.

Speaking after the back-row forward gave an awesome display in Worcester's EDF Energy Cup win over Northampton last weekend, Brian claimed the 22-year-old arrived at Sixways in the summer out of condition and looking like he had never been coached.

But Robert Jones, the Scarlets backs coach who was on the support staff last season, has defended the team who oversaw the first part of Quinnell's professional career and disputed Brain's comments.

The former Wales captain bridled at the suggestion that last year's set-up, which included current national coach Gareth Jenkins, Wales attack coach Nigel Davies, Wayne Proctor and Paul Moriarty, had let down Quinnell.

He was particularly staunch in his defence of fitness specialist Proctor: "I was surprised to read those comments because we have, this year, again had an emphasis on fitness," he said.

"Wayne is in total charge of getting the guys ready, fit enough to be able to perform the way we want. He is regarded as one of the best fitness coaches in Wales.

"I will say that Wayne Proctor, Gareth Jenkins, Nigel Davies and Paul Moriarty have always had a very capable rugby team with a big emphasis on fitness.

"It's part of the way we play. If our players weren't fit. we couldn't play the way we do. You can't blame Gareth, Nigel, Wayne and Paul... for the comments which have come out.

"These guys are all top-class coaches who understand the dynamics of a rugby team and what's needed. They also understand the conditioning requirements needed to play at this level. The sides they have produced prove that."

For his part. Brain did not wish to respond, but instead preferred to concentrate on preparing his team for round two of the Cup against Leicester this Saturday.

The director of rugby revealed that fly-half Shane Drahm will not be fit for this weekend's match but would be back in training next week in time for the Guinness Premiership visit of Gloucester.

Aisea Havili will also miss out - as does Marcel Garvey - with the wings struggling to overcome injuries picked up against Bath.

Garvey should be fine for the derby game but Havili is more doubtful: "Aisea is causing us rather more concern," admitted Brain. "He is just not progressing as quickly as we hoped with the foot he hurt against Bath ."

On the plus side, Chris Horsman - who has trained with Wales this week - will be fit, as will Tevita Taumoepeau, assuming he returns to training today.

Coventry have announced a change to their coaching structure with new owner Andrew Green looking for a director of rugby to work with head coach Mike Umaga.

The National One outfit's coaching team is in a state of flux at the moment following the resignation of development-team coach Lee Crofts earlier this week and the internal investigation into allegations made against fitness coach Darren Grewcock.

Green wants Umaga to concentrate on working with the first XV. "After lengthy analysis, I feel that the club must allow Mike to concentrate on his core strength - coaching the squad on a day-to-day basis," he said.

"This is a demanding and challenging role in itself, but I am certain that Mike will continue to work with the team to deliver the very highest-quality rugby.

"I am sure Mike is relieved to be concentrating on his first love of coaching and I know he is eager to work alongside us in helping to secure the right person."

Green added that he is seeking a permanent full-time candidate with business experience, who will be responsible for 'the entire rugby sector'.