The talented scrum-half was expected to find a new club around Bristol while he studies at the University of West England.

But the 21-year-old is now committed to Rams for the remainder of the National Division Three South West campaign.

He said: “I was looking at clubs in Bristol where I could get some rugby because I wanted to keep it up, but I realised my university course is going to be tough and that starting at a new club where they don’t know me would be difficult.

“I have decided to stay somewhere familiar and travel back and forth.”

Brooks’s decision may have also been influenced by Rams’ excellent start to the season.

They have rattled up almost 100 points in their opening two fixtures after a 55-17 win against Barnslaple and 41-8 victory at Bournemouth last time out.

Brooks is at the heart of a reshaped Rams back division following the departure of several key players including his former half-back partner, Nigel Gumbleton.

“I think Nigel did an excellent job last season and was a player’s player. His loss was disappointing,” admitted Brooks.

“But the addition of new fly-half Luke Flower has made a big difference and he’s starting to settle in nicely.

“Centre David Massey is another new player who’s starting to run off Luke nicely and Steve Bryant is starting to run off Massey, and so it’s all starting to click.”

And he admits he’s certainly enjoyed Rams start to the season and winning their opening two league matches.

“I think we’ve played some really good rugby,” he added. “The first half against Barnstaple wasn’t very good, but coming back out in the second-half, turning that game around showed good character.

“We controlled the Bournemouth game very well and when you look at it back it the game was never really in doubt.”

Rams were without a league fixture last weekend but return to action this Saturday when they travel to Chard looking to maintain their 100% start to the season.

It will be Rams first ever visit to Essex Close to play the Somerset side who have won three promotions in the last four seasons.

But Chard have found the going tough at this level and have lost their opening three fixtures to Oxford Harlequins (32-0), Old Redcliffians (17-21) and Old Patesians (23-5).

Nevertheless, Rams director of rugby Mike Tewkesbury warned: “I don’t think we can take anything for granted. For a team to reach this level means they are not going to be a bad side. It’s early doors so I wouldn’t want to start making predictions.”

Rams are set to shuffle their pack with Tom Bryson slotting into the second row to partner Mickal Kruzycki with James Hughes joining Ollie Mann and Ross Crame on the bench. Josh Sumley comes in on the wing.