Grove's Worcester side have been relegated from the Guinness Premiership

By Dave Bradley

Alex Grove is poised to quit relegated Worcester Warriors in favour of a year-long loan deal with Edinburgh.

Scotland coach Andy Robinson has told centre Grove he would struggle to make his squad for the 2011 World Cup finals while playing in England's second tier.

Edinburgh, meanwhile, compete in the Magners League, the top Celtic set-up.

In a statement, the Championship outfit said: "Worcester Warriors can confirm it is in discussion with the SRU and Scotland head coach Andy Robinson."

Worcester dropped out of the Guinness Premiership with Grove only halfway through a two-year contract.

Alex has spoken to the chairman to reiterate his long-term commitment and desire to extend his contract at Sixways in the near future Worcester Warriors

And it is thought that the 22-year-old has agreed to move to the Scottish capital for a year and return to Worcester after the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand.

But the Sixways club stressed: "Alex's long-term future remains with Worcester Warriors.

"His attitude off the pitch and ability on it makes him an important part of our future.

"Alex has spoken to the chairman to reiterate his long-term commitment and desire to extend his contract at Sixways in the near future."

Grove had insisted he would stand by the club following relegation but added that he would have to consult with Scotland bosses to see how relegation would affect his international ambitions.

He earned his first cap in November, having helped Scotland A win the IRB Nations Cup that summer.

The centre, who qualifies for Scotland through a grandfather, has been named in Scotland's squad for next month's tour in Argentina.

Grove was chosen ahead of Ben Cairns, with whom he will compete for a place with Edinburgh should his move be confirmed and who will travel with Scotland A to Romania to defend the Nations Cup.

Meanwhile, Warriors have announced a drop in season ticket prices for next season in the Championship.

The club have also confirmed the season tickets prices will be frozen for two seasons.

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